Research Shows What Works to Cut Smoking Rates

(Page 2)

But the European Union's move to set maximum tar and nicotine emission standards for cigarettes has failed. The goal was to reduce the toxicity of cigarettes. However, the testing method used by the EU was flawed, and cigarette makers increased filter ventilation to pass the test, without having to reduce the toxicity of cigarettes.

"The well intentioned, but flawed EU policy has given smokers the false illusion that their cigarettes deliver less tar and nicotine, which they don't," Cummings said.

The research was to be presented Thursday at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Philadelphia.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about global tobacco control.