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Action on Smoking
and Health A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions Learn How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From the Deadly Dangers of Even Small Amounts of Smoke |
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February 26, 2004
Richard Thalheimer
Chairman and CEO
The Sharper Image
650 Davis Street
San Francisco , CA 94111
Dear Mr. Thalheimer:
It has come to my attention that the Sharper Image's advertisements for its Ionic Breeze Air Purifier include explicit and implicit claims that the device will protect the consumer from secondhand smoke. You may be unaware of the science on this issue, and of the potential legal liability such claims bring to your company.
There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. This fact has even been accepted by the tobacco industry itself. ASHRAE – the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers – no longer includes recommended specifications for purifying indoor areas exposed to tobacco smoke. This is because they know that it is impossible to clean such air to a healthy level, and do not want to incur liability.
I urge you to discontinue your claims regarding your air purifiers and tobacco smoke, and to include a disclaimer. While the Ionic Breeze is no doubt an effective product, those particularly susceptible to secondhand smoke should not be led to rely upon it rather than seek a smokefree environment.
I thank you for your attention.
Best Regards,
Chris Bostic
General Counsel
Action on Smoking & Health
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