Minty fresh cancer sticks target children
Fewer teens many be smoking cigarettes these days, but that doesn’t mean Big Tobacco hasn’t been busy in their labs creating new products with kids in minds.
A new batch of tobacco products, known popularly as flavored cigarettes or flavored tobacco, is being tested by the tobacco companies. While they say their products are geared to adults open to switching brands, it’s hard to argue that the product names, color schemes and themes aren’t meant for children.
The flavors themselves sound more like they should be bubble gum instead of tobacco: mint, apple, berry, coconut, vanilla and citrus are just a few of the many products being tested.
Packaging is equally hip and youth oriented. Some of the packages feature hip hop imagery or an enticing palette of winter colors. Tobacco companies claim these products are targeted to adults who seek parties, pleasure, independence and new experiences. Few can argue, however, that these same themes can easily be found in products targeted to the youth market.
Several states have sued Big Tobacco, claiming these new products side step the landmark 1998 legal settlement that barred the marketing of tobacco to children.
While the issue plays out in courts throughout the U.S., flavored tobacco is already on the market and it can be very tempting to children who may not like the flavor of traditional tobacco products.
Keep in mind that these new products are out there and Big Tobacco is continually testing the spirit of the law on many other fronts. Remind your children regularly that these products are designed to get them hooked on nicotine. Big profits come at the expense of your children, who will suffer the worst consequences of all, lifelong health issues and even the possibility of death.
