Thanks to a Dec. 15 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, consumers can use state consumer protection laws to sue tobacco companies for deceptive marketing practices for “light” or “low tar” cigarettes. Plaintiffs must prove that such cigarettes’ marketing violates state anti-fraud laws, by virtue of the cigarettes not being as healthy as advertised.
It’s believed that smokers of “light” or “low tar” cigarettes take longer puffs or otherwise compensate, thus offsetting any health benefits. It’s also believed that tobacco companies are well aware of this propensity, yet market their cigarettes as being healthier anyway.
If only they could market a safer cigarette for us second hand smokers who choose not to participate in tobacco products… my breath is taken away along with my freedom of choice. Oh yeah.. the ones who can’t bear to mess up their car ashtrays with their discarded cigarettes, so they let their butts butt into my business, as I am going down the freeway, with my windows open, and I get hit with hot ashes on my lap and arm. That’s my favorite.
Comment by Shana Miller — December 19, 2008 @ 12:53 am