EC unveils graphic cigarette-pack images

The European Commisisoner for Health and Consumer Protection has unveiled a series of graphic photographs and images that will be used on cigarette packs to deter people from smoking.

One of the images in the new anti-smoking advertising campaign

The images are part of a €72 million EU-wide anti-smoking advertising campaign being undertaken by the European Commission.

The picture warnings unveiled by Mr David Byrne this morning include graphic photographs of damaged lungs, a dead body in a mortuary and a man with a large tumour on his throat.

They form part of a database of 42 images designed for use by countries who wish to use the pictures to add impact to their health warnings.

The Commission said it expects picture warnings to be introduced in a number of countries next year, including Ireland and Belgium.

Mr Byrne said: "People need to be shocked out of their complacency about tobacco. I make no apology for some of the pictures we are using. The true face of smoking is disease, death and horror - not the glamour and sophistication the pushers in the tobacco industry try to portray.

"The EU must hammer home this message to young people via its media campaign and to smokers via their cigarette packs."

It is estimated that some 650,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses in the European Union.

The EU outlawed the use of words such as "light" or "mild" in the marketing of cigarettes in a directive introduced in 2001, and the latest move is seen as another step towards the eventual banning of tobacco.