Kent (cigarette)

Kent cigarettes 2017 logo

Kent is a brand of cigarettes introduced by the Lorillard Tobacco Company in 1952. It is known for being the first popular filtered cigarette on the market. Kent cigarettes were developed with a unique Micronite filter, which was later found to contain asbestos. Despite this setback, Kent cigarettes remain a significant part of cigarette history.

History

Kent cigarettes were first introduced in 1952 by the Lorillard Tobacco Company. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its innovative use of a filter, which was a novel concept at the time. The Micronite filter used in Kent cigarettes was initially believed to provide a healthier smoking experience. However, it was later discovered that the filter contained asbestos, leading to health concerns and a decline in sales.

Design

Kent cigarettes are known for their distinctive packaging, which features a red and white color scheme. The brand logo consists of the word "Kent" in a bold, sans-serif font. The packaging also includes the slogan "Kent satisfies," emphasizing the brand's focus on providing a satisfying smoking experience.

Controversy

The use of asbestos in the Micronite filter of Kent cigarettes sparked controversy and legal challenges for the Lorillard Tobacco Company. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its presence in the filter raised concerns about the health risks associated with smoking Kent cigarettes. In response to these concerns, Lorillard eventually removed asbestos from the filter and introduced a new, safer version.

Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding the asbestos filter, Kent cigarettes remain a notable part of cigarette history. The brand's introduction of filtered cigarettes paved the way for the development of other filtered cigarette brands. Kent's impact on the tobacco industry continues to be studied and discussed by historians and public health experts.