Article: Philip Morris Sued for Consumer Fraud, Marketing `Light' Cigarettes with Health Claims; Suit Claims Industry Documents Show Deliberate Consumer Deception.

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1999--

A new class action lawsuit filed against Philip Morris claims "light" cigarettes are as potent and dangerous as regular cigarettes, and that the company has tricked consumers -- many of them teenagers -- into believing these "low yield" cigarettes are healthier.

Internal memos quoted in the suit suggest that Philip Morris has known for decades that "light" cigarettes offer no health benefits, but the company continues to mount advertising campaigns claiming the products expose smokers to less tar and nicotine.

The lawsuit was filed May 13 in Arizona's Maricopa County Superior Court by plaintiffs ...

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