Tobacco Control Act: Resources and FDA Regulations
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No More "Light," "Low," or "Mild" Cigarettes
Tobacco Regulation
July 22, 2010, marks another milestone in tobacco control and prevention. As of that date, the law prohibits the tobacco industry from distributing or introducing into the U.S. market any tobacco products for which the labeling or advertising contains the descriptors “light,” “low,” “mild,” or any similar descriptor, irrespective of the date of manufacture. However, consumers may continue to see some products with these descriptors for sale in stores after July 22, because retailers are permitted to sell off their inventory.
A Brief History
Cigarettes labeled "light," "low," or "mild" are often called "low-yield" because they deliver less than 15 mg of tar when measured on a standardized smoking machine. After a 1964 historic Surgeon General's report on smoking and health, cigarette manufacturers made changes in cigarette design to achieve and promote low-yield cigarettes (e.g., filters, ventilation holes, chemical additives). Advertisements implied that the low-yield cigarettes were safer than regular cigarettes. However, there is no convincing scientific evidence to indicate that low-yield cigarettes are safe. No cigarette design changes have resulted in a decrease in the diseases caused by smoking.
Protecting Public Health
Prohibiting the use of terms like "light," "low," and "mild" is an important step to help protect the public health. Many smokers mistakenly believe that cigarettes marketed with these descriptors cause fewer health problems than other cigarettes. Studies have found that smokers who use light cigarettes do not reduce their risk for developing smoking-related cancers and other diseases, that switching to light cigarettes does not help smokers quit, and that switching to light cigarettes may actually decrease the motivation to quit. All cigarettes are harmful to health—regardless of their taste, smell, label, or packaging color. There is no such thing as a safe cigarette.
Help to Quit
Millions of former smokers have successfully quit. In fact, today there are more former smokers than smokers. For help, visit www.smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669; TTY 1-800-332-8615).
For More Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- No More "Light," "Low," or "Mild" Cigarettes
- New Tobacco Controls Have Public Health Impact
- Low-Yield Cigarettes
- Smoking Cessation
National Cancer Institute
- The Truth About Light Cigarettes: Questions and Answers
- Risks Associated with Smoking Cigarettes with Low Machine-Measured Yields of Tar and Nicotine (PDF–2.90 MB)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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Contact Us:
- CDC/Office on Smoking and Health
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