States Tell Tobacco Makers to Prove Claims About 'Safer' Cigarettes

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State attorneys generals are calling for cigarette makers to produce scientific evidence to support claims that so-called "reduced risk" cigarettes actually carry lower health risks than regular cigarettes, the Raleigh News & Observer reported June 1.

Five attorney generals have called on R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to release millions of documents related to its Eclipse cigarette brand. An official for R.J. Reynolds said the company has proof that Eclipse "may present less risk of cancer, chronic bronchitis, and possibly emphysema."

"We are very concerned with the kinds of claims they are making," said Barney Brannen, a Vermont assistant attorney general.

State attorney generals are also targeting Liggett Vector Brands, which is marketing the Quest brand as a potential smoking-cessation aid.