'Light' Cigarettes Aren't Safer

"Light," "mild" or "low-tar" cigarettes are sometimes billed as healthier for people who don't quit.

But these cigarettes do nothing for a smoker's health, the U.S. National Cancer Institute says. The NCI offers the following information:

People who smoke light cigarettes are still at risk for serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Nicotine-craving smokers of light cigarettes actually may inhale more deeply, take larger or more rapid puffs, or smoke extra cigarettes to get enough nicotine.
Smoking machines that measure tar and nicotine intake often do not accurately emulate a person who smokes.
There is no evidence that switching to light cigarettes helps smokers quit.