June 15, 2012 | Lucy

We all find the images on cigarette packets distressing. But do they really work?

A recent study tested 200 smokers to see how well they could remember health warnings on cigarette packets. When they were accompanied by an image, the warnings were recalled by 83% of the smokers. But when the warnings were text only, just 50% remembered them.

The study’s lead author, Dr Andrew Strasser, claims the results highlight the value of adding graphic warning labels. He wants to use them to create even more effective labelling in the future.