The Lessons of "Light" and "Low Tar" Cigarettes: Without Effective Regulation, "Reduced Risk" Tobacco Products Threaten the Public Health

Publication

The Lessons of "Light" and "Low Tar" Cigarettes: Without Effective Regulation, "Reduced Risk" Tobacco Products Threaten the Public Health

Abstract

The Special Investigations Division of the House Committee on Government Reform conducted an investigation into the differences between previous "light" cigarette initiatives and the current "reduced risk" tobacco products. The committee looked at the histories of marketing and consumer safety for each of the products. The committee found that the marketing practices of both "light" and "reduced risk" tobacco products were deceptive and exploited the absence of regulation in order to increase the number of people using the products.