Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113477

Mitchell Zeller, JD, Pinney Associates, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1400, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-718-8440, mzeller@pinneyassociates.com

Tobacco products on the market today are making unregulated and unsubstantiated claims to reduce exposure to the toxins in tobacco smoke. Some products even state that the risk of diseases caused by tobacco can be reduced. Others make clever implied claims that still deliver a health-related message to smokers. Public health policy experts are concerned that these products may threaten the decades-long progress made in reducing the number of smokers in the United States.

This presentation will cover two main areas: (1) A historical overview of the marketing of tobacco products designed to respond to the health concerns of smokers. Looking back at the history of the marketing of filtered and “lights” cigarettes is important context for understanding the new generation of products and claims. This overview will also include a review of current products making “reduced exposure” or “reduced risk” claims.

(2) An explanation of the policy concerns that experts have expressed. These concerns are heightened in an unregulated marketplace. The policy concerns relate to the adverse unintended consequences these new products may have on initiation and cessation.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Understand the current research on tobacco harm reduction products and the current regulatory landscape for these products;
• Describe a proactive public policy strategy for addressing harm reduction products;
• Construct a plan for contributing to collaborative efforts to reduce the threat of tobacco harm reduction products to tobacco cessation efforts.

Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Tobacco Taxation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF Consultant to GlaxoSmithKline in consumer health care.

Recorded presentation