A long-term view of harm reduction.

The concept of harm reduction is controversial, as it brings to mind the failures, public misconceptions, and undermining of prevention associated with the low-tar cigarette campaign. Modern cigarettes are, however, unnecessarily carcinogenic and toxic, a situation that could be improved by sensible and serious regulation of the contents of tobacco smoke. The risks potentially associated with reducing levels of known toxicants in cigarettes are tiny in comparison with the acceptance of the status quo, which is disastrous. Failure to act in these circumstances is negligence.