A recent study conducted at oxford university says that any form of ‘No Smoking ‘signs create an interest and it evokes a desire in smokers to have a puff.

The effect of ‘No Smoking’ signs in smokers to create a desire for smoking is described as ‘Ironic Effect’.
Earp who led the team said that every smoker who passes through a street having five to six ‘No Smoking’ boards in doors and windows develops a craving within themselves for smoking.

Earp and his colleagues involved smoker-volunteers and the group of smokers were shown with number of photos related with ‘No Smoking’ signs which created a craving in their mind and smoking related images poured inside them.

“ no smoking signs’ are meant for discouraging smoking, but on the contrary, it creates a craving for smoking—what supposed to prohibit the thoughts in smokers becomes more desirable within them’ Earp remarked.

The finding of this study is to be presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual meeting in Glasgow.