The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have issued the "Deadly in Pink" report, which argues that tobacco industries are directly marketing products to women and young girls.
The report analyzes the marketing strategies of Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds which promote smoking as "feminine and fashionable." In particular, the report points out the development of products such as "purse packs"- a slim case of cigarettes easily fit into a woman's handbag. Camel No.9 cigarettes, the name implying a reference to women's perfume, have also been promoted in women's magazines, along with giveaways for cell-phone embellishments, purses and lip balm.
The Deadly in Pink report urges Congress to take legislative action against this type of aggressive marketing. Specific recommendations include allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. "Congress must empower the FDA to regulate tobacco products to put a stop to the harmful practices of an industry that has had free reign for far too long," said John Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society.
Read more about the report here
