The Federal Trade Commission may rescind its guidance on tar and nicotine yields in cigarettes that are based on a test started more than 40 years ago.

The FTC says if the guidance is withdrawn, advertisers should no longer use terms suggesting the commission endorsement or approval of any specific test method.
 The test, known as the Cambridge Filter Method, is a machine-based test that smokes cigarettes according to a standard procedure. At the time the FTC issues its guidance, most public health officials believed that reducing the amount of tar produced by a cigarette could reduce a smoker's risk of lung cancer.
But the FTC said Tuesday scientists believe the test does not provide meaningful information on tar and nicotine.(pi)