Tobacco Companies are being forced to change Names

UAE, October 19, 2006 - Tobacco contains more than 4,000 different chemicals and toxins, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing). Whether tobacco is smoked in a pipe, cigarette or cigar, or is chewed in the mouth, it is still potentially deadly. The World Health Organization's slogan this year went 'Tobacco: Deadly in any form or disguise'.

Tobacco is the only product in the world that kills half of its persistent users when used exactly as intended. Extra Strong, Strong, Lights, Ultra Lights, all cigarette brands come with different names but are 'Lights' or 'Ultra Lights' any less damaging than 'stronger' cigarettes, or is it just perception?

The tar is bad for you, and the nicotine keeps you addicted. On one hand there are a few people who claim the Lights and the Ultra Lights contain less nicotine and tar but still contain the same chemicals and toxins as the normal cigarettes. On the other hand there are strong arguments that to create light cigarettes, tobacco companies simply change the design of some cigarettes so they produce fewer toxins when tested by machines in government laboratories. One method of cigarette manufacturers is to put tiny holes (vents) in the filters so that the when the governments testing machines are sucking in on the cigarette, fresh air is inhaled through the holes as well as the cigarette smoke.

The most toxic compounds in cigarette smoke come from tobacco, not from additives. The risk of lung cancer is no different in people who smoke medium-tar, low-tar or very low-tar cigarettes, concludes a study that was published on January 10, 2006 in the British Medical Journal

When people smoke "light" cigarettes, they consequently adjust their smoking technique. Often, subconsciously, they puff more quickly and breathe in deeper. Many smokers also involuntarily cover the holes in the filters with their fingers, in effect turning their light cigarettes back into regular cigarettes. At the end, they get their full dose of nicotine, along with carbon monoxide, tar, and all of the other chemicals and toxins. The truth is people don't smoke because they choose to; they smoke because of an addiction to the nicotine.

In a recent case in the United States, a federal judge has denied a request by tobacco companies to let them keep marketing "light" and "low tar" cigarettes until an appeal is settled in the case. The judge ruled in August that the cigarette makers violated racketeering laws and misled the public about the health consequences of smoking.

In many countries including Australia, cigarette box labels have already been changed and are now 'Original', 'Fine', 'Smooth', 'Finesse' and other similar names. These new terms are much more elegant than before, which is more than likely the opposite of what the authorities intended to do with the new law.

If people are worried about the dangers of regular cigarettes, going 'light' is not the answer. Fundamentally the person needs to quit and the sooner the better. The only safe cigarettes are the ones that don't get smoked.

Help is available from numerous Ministry of Health clinics across the United Arab Emirates for those wishing to quit smoking and who are finding it difficult. One product that is recognized by the Ministry of Health in helping cope with withdrawal symptoms is Nicotinell. Nicotinell is a Nicotine replacement therapy that helps people overcome the withdrawal symptoms of Nicotine; a substance found in tobacco that makes the tobacco addictive. If you are embarrassed to admit the addiction and to attend the clinics, Nicotinell is available at all pharmacies across the UAE.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Sam Gad - TRACCS Public Relations
Tel: 00971 4 3672530
Fax: 00971 4 377 2531
Mobile: 00971 50 86 85 84 5

© Press Release 2006