Comment on "China: low tar cigarettes not better" (China Daily, May 30)

I am very glad to hear the Ministry of Health's official statement that low tar cigarettes do not reduce the risks of smoking. The authorities and the public should not be misled by the cigarette companies.

It's easy to guess who's promoting this "less harm" theory and why they are so eager to do so. Once the public believes low tar cigarettes are less damaging to their health, they will be more likely to smoke. The tobacco companies will benefit from the "scientific" result, while ordinary people's health will still be at risk and the medical burden on the country will not be eased.

The more people know that many people die from smoking-related diseases every year, the more likely people are to quit smoking or not start in the first place. It's the authorities as well as the media's responsibility to let the public know the cruel fact that low tar cigarettes do not reduce the risks of smoking.

Sarah, via e-mail

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(China Daily 06/14/2012 page9)