But economists at NKC, a South African research group, say the guidelines would affect the lives of millions of Africans who depend on tobacco farming. The report says nearly four million people in Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe would be most seriously affected.

Since June, the United States has banned cigarette companies from using misleading terms like "light," "mild" and "low tar."

Last week, federal health officials announced new actions to control tobacco. These include proposals to require larger health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements.

Officials also want to require new "graphic health warnings" within two years. Proposals include a picture of a woman blowing smoke in a baby's face, and an image of diseased lungs next to healthy lungs.

You can find a link to all of the proposed images at voaspecialenglish.com.

And that's the VOA Special English Health Report. I'm Steve Ember.

Contributing: Avi Arditti, Scott Bobb and Angela Dewan