A review of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) method for determining tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in U.S. cigarettes by the National Cancer Institute, with contributions from an expert panel of medical, legal and tobacco industry personnel. Focuses on the health effects of the components of cigarette smoke with discussions on consumer smoking patterns and perceptions of FTC labeling of tar and nicotine ratings. Examines the FTC testing parameters with recommendations for changes to those parameters and to labeling. Tables, graphs and references.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

This book presents a counter-view, based on a survey of several thousand young persons and adults, probing attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and perceptions of risk associated with smoking. The authors agree that young smokers give little or no thought to health risks or the problems of addiction. The survey data contradicts the model of informed, rational choice and underscores the need for aggressive policies to counter tobacco firms' marketing and promotional efforts and to restrict youth access to tobacco.