Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Oct 9, 2006 -- According to a recent study in the American Journal of Public Health, light cigarette smokers are significantly less likely to quit smoking than people who smoke regular cigarettes. The new study adds to the evidence that the marketing of light cigarettes has contributed to the number of Americans who suffer from tobacco-related diseases instead of reducing the death toll from tobacco.

Smokers often switch to "low-tar," "mild," "light" or "ultra light" cigarettes thinking these cigarettes are a healthier option or that they will help them quit. It is a deceitful ploy by the tobacco industry to discourage smokers from quitting, and to lead consumers to believe filtered and light cigarettes are safer alternatives to regular cigarettes.

The tobacco industry designed light cigarettes with tiny pinholes on the filters. The pinholes dilute cigarette smoke with air when they are puffed on by smoking machines used to measure tar and nicotine levels. The filter vents are uncovered when cigarettes are smoked by smoking machines. The pinholes are placed millimeters from where smokers put their lips and fingers when smoking. Many smokers block the vents, turning the light cigarette into a regular cigarette. Also, due to the fact that smokers crave nicotine, they may inhale more deeply, take more frequent puffs or smoke a few extra cigarettes each day to get enough nicotine to satisfy their craving.

The only proven way to reduce the risk of smoking-related disease is to quit. For more information on quitting smoking contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.