Light Cigarettes FAQ
Q: What are lightcigarettes?
A: Lightcigarettes (also advertised as "low-tar," "mild," or "ultra-light" cigarettes)have special filters designed to dilute cigarette smoke.
Q: Has there been anyrecent news about light cigarettes?
A: Lightcigarettes have recently been the focus of federal lawsuits filed in U.S.District Court. The plaintiffs allegethat tobacco companies defrauded them into thinking light cigarettes were saferthan regular cigarettes. The defendanttobacco companies argue that the term "light" refers to a lighter-tastingcigarette, and that consumers should understand theterm's intended meaning.
Q: Are lightcigarettes healthier than "regular" or "full-flavor" cigarettes?
A: Although lightcigarettes may feel smoother and lighter on the throat and chest, they are not healthierand do not reduce health risks related to smoking. Smokers who switch from regular cigarettes tolight cigarettes are likely to inhale the same amount of hazardous chemicals,and remain at high risk for developing smoking-related cancers and otherdiseases. Because there is no such thingas a safe cigarette, the only way to reduce a smoker's health risks (and therisk to others through second-hand smoke) is to quit smoking altogether.
Q: What do the tarand nicotine numbers found on cigarette packs mean?
A: Tar andnicotine yield numbers serve as a reference point for the amount of tar andnicotine a smoker may inhale. The numbers come from smoking machines, which"smoke" every brand of cigarettes the same way.However, these numbers do not reflect the precise amount a smokerinhales since no two people smoke the same way.
Q: Why don't the tarand nicotine numbers accurately reflect the actual amounts that smokers inhale?
A: First, smokers(unlike machines) may inhale more deeply; take larger, more rapid, or frequentpuffs; or smoke a few extra cigarettes each day. So, smokers may end upinhaling more tar, nicotine, and other harmful chemicals than the machine-basednumbers suggest.
Second, light cigarettes have tiny pinholes on thefilters. These "filter vents" dilutecigarette smoke with air when "puffed" by smoking machines, resulting inartificially low measurements of tar and nicotine levels. But the filter vents are placed only millimetersfrom where smokers may place their lips or fingers. By blocking these vents, a light cigarettebasically becomes a regular cigarette.
Lastly, when cigarette makers increase the length of thepaper wrap that covers the outside of the cigarette filter, the number of puffsdecreases during the machine test. Thetobacco under the wrap is still available to the smoker and is not burnedduring the machine test. As a result,the machine measures less tar and nicotine levels than is available to the smoker.
Q: Can I file alawsuit over light cigarettes, or join an existing suit?
A: A number oflight cigarette lawsuits have been filed recently in federal court, withplaintiffs claiming that tobacco companies defrauded them into thinking thatlight cigarettes were a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. If you or aloved one has suffered illness that may be attributed to smoking lightcigarettes, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcareprofessional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discussyour legal options and your potential right to a legal remedy for any harmcaused by light cigarettes.