Passage of legislation has long been a priority of the American Lung Association. Today's historic vote marks the first time the U.S. House of Representatives has passed this legislation. In 2004, the U.S. Senate passed similar legislation twice, but it was ultimately defeated in the House.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will give the FDA the authority to do the following:
-- Restrict tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children.
-- Ban candy-flavored cigarettes.
-- Require tobacco companies to disclose the contents of tobacco products and conduct research about the health effects of these products.
-- Require changes in tobacco products, such as the removal or reduction of harmful ingredients.
-- Prohibit health claims about so-called "reduced risk" tobacco products that are not scientifically proven or that would discourage current tobacco users from quitting or encourage new users to start.
-- Require larger, more effective health warnings on tobacco products.
-- Prohibit terms such as "low-tar," "light" and "mild," terms which mislead consumers into believing that certain cigarettes are safer than others.
About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the
American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent
lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to
increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American
Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for
lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung
Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information
about the American Lung Association or to support
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