More than 400,000 people die every year because of tobacco-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the well-known health hazards associated with smoking, people continue to do so. Cigarette companies began to market “light cigarettes” after research began to point to the serious health consequences of smoking. However, the term “light” may have deceived many consumers into thinking the product was less harmful to their health. Health officials say even supposedly “light” tobacco cigarettes pose a health hazard and have barred companies from claiming otherwise. “The public health history here is a tragedy because for decades millions of Americans used these products under some expectation that the products would be less risky,” says Food and Drug Administration head of tobacco products Lawrence Deyton. “In fact, many who … Read entire article »

“Light” cigarettes are going up in smoke by the end of June, but their names and packaging are getting a colorful makeover.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says cigarette packs no longer can feature names such as “light,” ”mild,” ”medium” or “low,” which many smokers wrongly think are less harmful than “full-flavor” cigarettes. Cigarette makers are replacing those words with colors such as gold, silver, blue and orange on brands that make up more than half of the smokes sold across the country. Anti-tobacco advocates say the colors are just as bad as the words, but tobacco companies argue they have a right to let smokers know which products are which. Companies insist the words tell smokers about the taste, feel and blend of a cigarette, not health risks. The cigarettes … Read entire article »