ACSH s Dr. Elizabeth Whelan was interviewed by Voice of America television last week about the FDA s legal jurisdiction over cigarettes. The show airs in markets around the globe.
She expressed the ACSH position that while "regulation of cigarettes" may be a concept that appeals to many, the fact is that the details of the legislation giving the FDA regulatory power over cigarettes suggests that such legislation may threaten, not improve public health.
Dr. Whelan also noted that the law allows the FDA to reduce (but not eliminate) nicotine levels in cigarettes. "This is a terrible idea, as addicted cigarette smokers will have to inhale longer and deeper to get the nicotine they crave, thus exposing themselves to more products of combustion and ultimately increasing the myriad risks to their health. The FDA legislation also assumes that all tobacco products pose equal health risks when that is clearly not true smokeless products are far less dangerous than are cigarettes."