Tobacco.org

Shocking images deter cigarette smokers, WHO says  

* WHO backs pictorial warnings on tobacco packaging

* Says disgust, fear, sadness, worry prompt smokers to quit . . .

Cigarette packages should show graphic images of yellow teeth, blackened gums, protruding neck tumours and bleeding brains to alert smokers to their disease risks, the World Health Organisation said on Friday.

More than 20 countries, including Britain, Iran, Peru and Malaysia, already use visual warnings on their tobacco products, the head of the WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative said.

"Although some people question the need for such pictures, the evidence is absolutely clear that they convince people to quit," Douglas Bettcher told a news conference ahead of World No Tobacco Day, to be held on Sunday.

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