University of Florida report disagrees with UAB research Smokeless tobacco may help some men stop smoking, but more often it is a nicotine gateway to cigarettes, according to a new study. The study by Dr. Scott L. Tomar of the University of Florida College of Dentistry appears in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and raises doubts about research being conducted at UAB that advocates smokeless tobacco as a safer alternative to cigarettes. ...

The Federal Trade Commission made public today the results of "tar," nicotine and carbon monoxide testing for 1,262 varieties of domestic cigarettes sold in 1996 and 1,252 varieties sold in 1997. The reports, titled "Tar, Nicotine, and Carbon Monoxide of the Smoke of 1,262 Varieties of Domestic Cigarettes For the Year 1996" and "Tar, Nicotine, and Carbon Monoxide of the Smoke of 1,252 Varieties of Domestic Cigarettes For the Year 1997" (the T&N Reports), will appear in the Federal Register shortly. The Commission has reported "tar" and nicotine test results since 1967. ...

Moments after lawmakers unveiled landmark legislation last spring to impose the most sweeping regulations on cigarettes in history, two of the people most closely involved in the momentous compromise bumped into each other leaving a press conference on the deal. Though they were just a few steps from each other outside the Senate's television studio, Matt Myers and Mark Berlind didn't shake hands, embrace or even say hello. Instead, they moved silently past each other, carefully avoiding eye contact. ...

Background. Light cigarettes have been marketed by the tobacco industry as being a healthier smoking choice, a safe alternative to cessation, and a first step toward quitting smoking altogether. Research, however, has failed to show a reduction in smoking-related health risks, an increase in rates of smoking cessation, a decrease in the amount of carbon monoxide or tar released, or a reduction in the rates of cardiovascular disease or lung cancer associated with light cigarette use, compared with regular cigarette use. ...

A former US tobacco industry executive testified today that top cigarette makers for years had chosen not to make their products safer despite knowing how to do so. Former Philip Morris scientist William Farone said the companies spent time and money on developing safer products, but often put aside those ideas rather than making them available to smokers. ...

KENYA'S LONG-awaited anti-tobacco bill will effect unprecedented changes in the retailing and advertising of cigarettes in the country, The EastAfrican has learnt. The bill, which is expected to be tabled in parliament by the end of this year or early next year, has already been sent to the Ministry of Health for final approval. ...

SACRAMENTO -- They come in licorice, chocolate, banana, pineapple and other candy-like flavors. They appeal to youths. They're easy to find. And some smokers mistakenly think they're safer than traditional cigarettes. Those are the arguments fueling a state and national assault on bidis -- or "beedies" -- hand-rolled, often-filterless cigarettes available in many California liquor, convenience, tobacco and other stores. ...

Many women smoke low tar brands. Many women smokers mistakenly believe that low tar cigarettes are less harmful to their health, research suggests. A survey of 780 women who smoke low tar, light or mild cigarettes found almost 40% believe they are doing themselves less damage than they would be if they smoked regular cigarettes. The figures prove just how dangerous clever marketing can be. ...

Boca Raton's city government is among South Florida's biggest employers, but it is considering putting out a "help not wanted" sign where smokers are concerned. The City Council is debating whether to require all new job applicants to sign an affidavit saying they haven't smoked in at least a year. ...