“Reduced Harm” Tobacco Products

Congress must grant the FDA meaningful authority to regulate tobacco manufacturing, sales and marketing.

FDA would be able to evaluate scientifically whether new products are actually less harmful.

Tobacco companies would be barred from making unsubstantiated, false, or misleading health claims as well as claims that discourage people from quitting.

Consumers would be empowered with the knowledge that products purporting to reduce consumer health risks had been analyzed by the same agency that ensures the safety of the food we eat and the medicines we take.

The ONLY scientifically proven way to avoid the harmful affects of tobacco is to stop – or not start—smoking. The one and only non-lethal cigarette available in the world today is the one that is unlit and never smoked.

No independent scientific verification currently exists to support tobacco company claims that certain new products have been rendered less harmful. Cigarettes marketed as “light,” “ultra-light,” and “low tar,” do not provide any scientifically proven health benefits over regular cigarettes. NCI report found no conclusive evidence that cigarette design changes in last 50 years reduced cancer and early death risks. ACS would consider legitimate and rigorous scientific investigation of reduced health claims conducted under independent oversight.

Marketing of “reduced harm” products falsely implies products are safe and pose less of a health risk.

Claims may increase initiation among people who think products are less risky.

Removing certain harmful ingredients does not preclude smokers from contracting illness related to remaining ingredients. Smokers falsely led to believe they are reducing their risk of getting a tobacco-related disease. Light and low tar smokers inhale more deeply and smoke more cigarettes.