The American Lung Association is calling on the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to withdraw its new Eclipse cigarette, saying low-smoke health claims about the product are unsubstantiated, according to an April 19 press release.

"The Eclipse device is not a cigarette but a high-tech nicotine delivery device that R.J. Reynolds is touting as a less-hazardous alternative to its extremely dangerous and highly addictive cigarettes. Consumers should not be misled by the tobacco company propaganda that this product is 'safe.' This claim is unsubstantiated," said John Garrison, chief executive officer of the association.

Garrison pointed out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "has not approved this drug delivery device for sale in the United States." He added that R.J. Reynolds' claim that Eclipse is a safe alternative to other cigarettes may discourage smokers from quitting. "The American Lung Association reminds all Americans that there is no 'safe' cigarette. The Eclipse nicotine delivery device is not a 'safe' alternative to cigarettes," he said.

Garrison stressed that if R.J. Reynolds does not immediately withdraw Eclipse from the market, the American Lung Association would "call on the FDA to remove the product in order to protect the health of the public."