A Senate Commerce Committee hearing explored the accuracy of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC’s) tar and nicotine cigarette rating system and the marketing claims of cigarette companies based on these ratings.
At the November 13 hearing, Sen Frank R. Lautenberg (D, NJ), who chaired the session, said he had uncovered a lengthy history of false and deceptive cigarette ratings and marketing practices. "It is now clear that the tobacco industry has been aware of the inaccuracy of these ratings for more than 3 decades," said Lautenberg.
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US Senators question the "low-tar" and "light" marketing claims by cigarette makers. (Photo credit: iStockphoto.com)
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At issue is the method used by the FTC to determine tar and nicotine levels in each brand. Cigarettes that deliver comparatively lower levels of tar and nicotine are then marketed as "light" and "low-tar" by the tobacco industry. But smokers of these products often inhale . . . [Full Text of this Article]
