Reality and perception of "reduced exposure" and "reduced risk" cigarettes


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

3255.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 2:48 PM

Abstract #109883

Katherine E. Kemper, MBA, Future Group, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, 1500 Littleton Drive, Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-889-2109, katherine.e.kemper@gsk.com

A new generation of tobacco-based products is making claims about reducing exposure to toxins in tobacco smoke. Many smokers whose interest in cessation derives primarily from health concerns may perceive these new tobacco products as “safer” and/or as alternatives to quitting. These perceptions may threaten the public health by diminishing smokers' interest in quitting. This session will examine these new products and claims. The absence of independent regulatory and scientific scrutiny of these products will be explained. Historical examples, including the marketing of the so-called "light" cigarette, will help frame the public health policy concerns. Prospects for legislation t address this problem will be analyzed. Human clinical exposure data will compare the claims being made in advertising with actual human behavior. Research needs from the federal and global perspective will be described. All of this information relates to the “reality” of these new products. Consumers' perception of these new products is equally important, as it drives their behavior. Quantitative and qualitative, multinational consumer survey data and videotaped consumer reactions will describe smoker and ex-smoker interest in these products, and the potential impact on cessation.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

1. Understand the latest wave in tobacco product innovation
2. Distinguish between explicit and implied health claims, and the potential impact of each on public health efforts
3. Recognise the role of product and claim regulation in protecting the public health

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Tobacco Policy

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 GlaxoSmithKline employee.

Where's the Evidence: Reducing the Harm of Harm Reduction Products

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA