Senators to examine cigarette rating system

WASHINGTON -- The nation's largest tobacco company knew as early as the 1970s that smokers of light cigarettes took larger puffs that delivered greater amounts of tar, according to a newly released memo. The 1975 Philip Morris USA correspondence was released by the Senate Commerce Committee in advance of a hearing today examining the rating system that allows tobacco companies to market cigarettes as regular, light or ultra-light. The current rating system gives smokers a false sense that cigarettes with less tar and nicotine are healthier, according to a memorandum produced by Democratic congressional staffers. The National Cancer Institute has for several years called for a change in the way that cigarettes are labeled. In 2001, it said people most concerned about smoking risks are those most likely to use brands labeled as light or ultra light.