BEIJING, April 29 -- A human anatomy exhibition - with graphic displays of organs diseased by tobacco and alcohol - has drawn many visitors and produced both shock and illumination.

    Because of its realistic nature - organs are exposed within an open body cavity and treated with plastic - those with heart problems and high blood pressure are urged to avoid it. Children must be accompanied by parents.

    The educational exhibit opened yesterday and drew more than 2,000 viewers. Admission fee is 50 yuan (US$6.17).

    The reception was mixed: some were revolted, shocked and scared, but many said it was fascinating and an eye-opener about the damage caused by tobacco and alcohol. The exhibition at the Shanghai Workers' Cultural Center runs through May 14.

    Tobacco and alcohol

    It displays 21 human bodies and 220 organs prepared by the Dalian Biology and Chemistry Research Institute. Some are healthy, some clearly diseased. There is no odor.

    Lungs, livers, hearts and kidneys are displayed, healthy and sick. The body cavity was opened to expose them.

    A major aim is to persuade people to stop addition to and abuse of tobacco and alcohol.

    Organizers posted a warning at the entrance: People with high blood pressure or heart problems should avoid the display.

    Most visitors interviewed by Shanghai Daily yesterday said they liked the exhibit, but a few found it frightening.

    "The exhibition is an eye opener, I never saw the internal structure of the body," said Pan Zhengwei, a student at East China University of Science and Technology.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily)