Monthly Archives: September 2011
Smoking rates drop in US, but not by much
Despite national and state efforts to raise tobacco taxes, increase awareness of cigarettes’ health risks, and ban smoking in public places, the decline in smoking in the United States has slowed dramatically over the past five years, according to a report released today by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The decline was very gradual,” CDC director Dr. … Continue reading
What cigarette do you smoke, Doctor?
In the 1950s and 1960s, advertisements for cigarettes were everywhere. The immense amount of advertising was made possible by a booming tobacco industry, minimal governmental intervention, and a general public unaware of the long-term consequences of cigarette smoking. A particularly reprehensible advertisement was aired during that time period which suggested that doctors support and encourage the use of cigarettes, particularly … Continue reading
Less Americans Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing an estimated 443,000 Americans each year. “Any decline in the number of people who smoke and the number of cigarettes consumed is a step in the right direction. However, tobacco use remains a significant health burden for the people of … Continue reading
Get cigarettes out of pharmacies
The use of tobacco products, including smoking cigarettes, remains a serious public health issue in the U.S. Despite many efforts, the CDC estimates that over the past 5 years, the rate of tobacco use has not significantly changed. About 1 in 5 adults in the USA continue to smoke regularly and over 50 percent of children are exposed to the … Continue reading
Smokeless tobacco goes cold turkey
After investing $100 million in upgrades and a major expansion, the parent company of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is halting production at its plant on Merrimac Trail. Altria developed Marlboro Snus to get into the smokeless game. It recently bought U.S. Tobacco, maker of Skoal. Ken Garcia, spokesman for Altria, said the idling was a move to “consolidate” smokeless tobacco production while … Continue reading
University fights Philip Morris tobacco research bid
Philip Morris International (PMI), which makes Marlboro cigarettes, has submitted Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to Stirling University. The research examines why the teenagers start smoking and what they think of tobacco marketing. Academics said agreeing to the request would be a major breach of confidence. They are also concerned it could jeopardise future research. Prof Gerard Hastings, of the … Continue reading
Are lawmakers smoking out tobacco brands?
First statement: Tobacco is not good for you and is best avoided if you are interested in pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Second statement: Intellectual property (IP) is a fundamental asset in enabling manufacturers to fully exploit their products, and should be safeguarded. From a lawmaking viewpoint, is it possible to believe that both of those statements are true without becoming … Continue reading
“Teenage cigarette ads” withdrawn after public backlash
Donskoy Tabak tobacco company has had to withdraw its Sweet Dreams cigarette advertisements that critics said targeted teenage girls. The company said it made the decision after the advertisements caused a ‘wide public resonance,” Vedomosti reported. The ads used slogans such as “If you’re not allowed, but you really want it, then you can have it!” The controversial advertisements caught … Continue reading
Retailers may face further difficulties with cigarette stocks
As retailers struggle with stocks of ‘illegal’ cigarette packets without pictorial warnings, they may face further difficulties come November, when a new EU regulation on “fire-safer” cigarettes comes into force. According to a letter sent to retailers by British American Tobacco Malta Ltd, all cigarettes sold to consumers as from 17 November “must comply with Lower Ignition Propensity (LIP) government … Continue reading
Colin Farrell Wrote "Break-Up" Letter When He Quit Smoking
Hollywood actor Colin Farrell wrote a “break-up” letter to tobacco when he gave up smoking. The Phone Booth star decided to quit his habit on his 34th birthday last year (10), but before he puffed on his last cigarette, Farrell spent an entire day consuming as many smokes as possible. And as soon as he finished his last one, the … Continue reading
