Reynolds Tobacco sued over low-risk cigarette claim
By Matt Green
Published on August 04, 2005
Nine states and the District of Columbia contend R.J. Reynolds is breaking truth-in-advertising laws and court settlements between tobacco companies and states.
Since 2003, R.J. Reynolds has advertised that smokers of Eclipse cigarettes have lower risks for cancer, chronic bronchitis and possibly emphysema. An 18-month investigation by state health experts found no evidence supporting this.
Now state attorneys generals are filing lawsuits. States involved include:
- California
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- New York
- Tennessee
- Vermont
R.J. Reynolds officials say scientific research backs their assertions. They contend Eclipse is healthier than other cigarettes because it's designed differently. Smokers of Eclipse light a carbon tip. Heat passes over tobacco without burning it. R.J. Reynolds says this produces fewer toxins.
States said this design gives an illusion of low risk. States said this design and others, including longer filters and low-tar cigarettes, still produce significant cancer-causing toxins.
States also say the ad campaign violates previous settlements, in which tobacco companies promised to not deceive the public about the dangers of smoking. Tobacco companies paid billions of dollars to reimburse states for tobacco-related health-care costs.
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