Tobacco Industry Creates Novel Products, Entices and Addicts Youth

In response to declining cigarette use and a rise in smoke-free air laws, at least two tobacco companies are test-marketing dissolvable tobacco products: one resembles Tic Tac breath mints but contains finely ground tobacco with mint and cinnamon flavors added. A recent study states that these products lure youths into using tobacco, thus creating a whole new generation of tobacco users to replace those users who have died off. The potential for these products to poison children is very much a concern since these products look like candy. Only one “candy” pellet caused a child to become ill. The tobacco industry denies they are developing new methods of addicting children and adolescents and claim they are merely providing options to adult smokers. (4/18) NY Times