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Light Cigarettes

Stamped Complaint against Phillip Morris U.S.A., Inc. 12/17/08

Stamped Civil Cover against Phillip Morris U.S.A., Inc. 12/17/08

Stamped Summons against Phillip Morris U.S.A., Inc. 12/17/08

Millions of Americans smoke "low-tar," "mild," or "light" cigarettes, believing those cigarettes to be less harmful than other cigarettes. Many of these cigarettes very falsely marketed as "safe" or "harmless". However, new evidence shows that these so called "safe" cigarettes are just as dangerous as regular cigarettes. In a study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) titled Risks Associated with Smoking Cigarettes with Low Machine-Measured Yields of Tar and Nicotine*, national scientific experts conclude that evidence does not indicate a benefit to public health from changes in cigarette design and manufacturing over the last 50 years.

"This report was made possible by the work and cooperation of scientists throughout the country," said Scott Leischow, Ph.D., chief of the NCI Tobacco Control Research Branch. "The monograph clearly demonstrates that people who switch to low-tar or light cigarettes from regular cigarettes are likely to inhale the same amount of cancer-causing toxins and they remain at high risk for developing smoking-related cancers and other diseases." This monograph is the 13th volume in NCI's Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph Series, which began in 1991.

The study describes several reasons why the levels of tar and nicotine measured by the FTC method do not reflect actual tar and nicotine delivery to the smoker. The filters in low-tar/low-nicotine cigarettes often include vent holes which, when open, allow air to enter and dilute the smoke. However, many smokers cover these holes with their lips and fingers. In contrast, when tested by a machine, the holes are unobstructed, and artificially low measurements of tar and nicotine are obtained.

Additionally, smokers who switch to light cigarettes from regular cigarettes "compensate" for the lower nicotine level by inhaling more deeply; taking larger, more rapid, or more frequent puffs; or by increasing the number of cigarettes smoked per day. As a result, smokers cancel out any potential benefit of smoking a "low-tar" cigarette.

The following brands of light cigarettes have all been inappropriately marketed:

• Marlboro Lights
• Camel Lights
• Kool Lights
• Merit Lights
• Winston Lights
• Salem Lights
• Newport Lights
• Now
• Vantage
• Carlton
• Misty Lights
• Capri Lights
• Cambridge Lights
• GPC Lights
• Doral Lights
• Virginia Slims Lights
• Benson & Hedges Lights
• Parliament Lights
• Kent III Lights
• Luck Strikes Lights
• True Lights

If you have been diagnosed with an illness associated with smoking light "safe" cigarettes, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified attorney.