Tobaccoland

Throughout the 1950s, cigarette manufacturers developed proprietary filter technology that promised lower tar and nicotine content and a “safer” cigarette. The FTC and consumer advocacy groups such as Consumers’ Union closely scrutinized the low tar and nicotine claims of many cigarette brands. Of the early filtered brands, Kent and its “Micronite” filter were the most popular. It was later discovered that the filter contained a particularly dangerous variety of asbestos.