In early 2002 Watkins was fired , and Merit continued to be marketed .
An in - house scientist ( Michael Lee Watkins ) analyzed the data and concluded Merit to actually be a greater fire risk than conventional cigarettes .
In early 2002 Michael Lee Watkins was fired , and Merit continued to be marketed .
An in - house scientist ( Michael Lee Watkins ) analyzed the data and concluded Merit to actually be a greater fire risk than conventional cigarettes .