WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A Philadelphia court has rejected class-action status for a case alleging R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. misrepresented the health risks of light cigarette brands.

The lawsuit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on behalf of all Pennsylvania smokers who used light or ultra-light cigarettes made by R.J. Reynolds since 1992. RJR makes several brands of light or ultra-light cigarettes, including Camel, Salem and Winston. Expanding the lawsuit to represent the grievances of all Pennsylvanians who smoked the cigarettes wasn't appropriate because there is little evidence that all started smoking light cigarettes because they thought the cigarettes were healthier, the court said in a decision filed earlier this month. The Winston-Salem-based maker of Winston and Camel cigarettes applauded the decision Friday. ``Every smoker's circumstances are unique, and class actions are not appropriate for litigating claims by groups of people who each have different personal smoking and medical histories,'' RJR general counsel Thomas F. McKim said.

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