Though it is understood by most that smoking is detrimental to one’s health, it seems that the tobacco market is continually welcoming in new and young consumers.

In China and other parts of Asia, some tobacco companies are producing a number of different styles of cigarettes to market to the younger crowd. There are now cigarettes available that are coloured, have a variety of flavours, and more visually appealing;  all of which are features used to attract these young consumers and distract them from any of the health warnings they may see. A good example would be these new products which are marketed towards girls:

These cigarettes promote a “feminine side” to smoking with the product sporting an alluring pink colour and a rose flavouring.

Another brand of cigarettes, LaRose 520, designs their product featuring a cute heart shaped filter.

Slim cigarettes assure girls that they can smoke while still looking dainty.

And these are what regular cigarettes look like:

You have to admit those first three are a lot more appealing – even if they are cigarettes.

Clearly, the tobacco industries’ main goal is to continue making money… And by marketing to the “young and foolish”, they are easily able to turn them into long term customers.
But whether they choose to market these products towards the female, male, younger, or the older consumer market, it is still a product which has a negative effect on the consumer which makes this a serious ethical issue.