The tobacco industry’s strategy for opposing clean indoor air regulations includes direct action through industry spokespeople and lobbying, as well as financial support for organizations such as the National Smokers Alliance (NSA). Other forms of opposition include the use of individuals who attend hearings, write letters and articles, and work with others in opposition to specific clean indoor air policies they wish to defeat or to reverse. A review of industry documents reveals that tobacco companies have had significant contact with such individuals, some of whom have written articles for the NSA and similar organizations. In one instance, a prominent epidemiology journal published a letter from one tobacco ally who, although she has no health background, disputed the findings of a peer-reviewed article about secondhand smoke hazards. This paper will present documents that reveal the relationships between the tobacco industry and "private citizens" and the work these people have done for industry-funded organizations. It is important for public health advocates to be vigilant. Section III of the Multistate Master Settlement Agreement states the tobacco industry cannot oppose "or cause to oppose" certain legislative or administrative rules. Therefore, people who argue positions favored by the tobacco industry should be asked to declare any relationships they may have with the industry or its allies. Journals should require the same full disclosure from people who submit letters as they require for authors of manuscripts.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to: Describe the relationships between pro-tobacco activists and the tobacco industry. List examples of distortions activists use when they attack scientific papers. Recognize the importance of monitoring the tobacco industry’s compliance with section III of the Master Settlement Agreement.
Keywords: Tobacco Industry, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.