Help the FDA Snuff Out Smoking Myths

As new laws against labeling cigarettes as “light” and “mild” go into effect, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is enlisting the support of prevention groups and others in getting the word out that there’s no such thing as a “safe” or “safer” cigarette.

“Although many smokers believe that these products are less harmful and may help smokers quit, the National Cancer Institute has found that smokers who use light cigarettes do not reduce their risk for developing smoking-related cancers and other diseases, and switching to light cigarettes does not help smokers quit, and may actually decrease the motivation to quit,” according to FDA.

Cigarette companies haven’t dropped these products, just renamed them in hopes that customers will recognize the minimally altered packaging and continue to buy. FDA has set up a special webpage with the new labeling rules and a variety of materials intended to counter industry marketing (mis)information.