Handsel Art

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 10 August 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: J.R. Few at

(870) 427-1365 or email

handselart@marioncounty.com

Tobacco Companies Hide Hazard, Dodge Regulation

While communities around the country prepare for more tobacco free measures new research has shown that the tobacco industry has not only manipulated menthol to enhance addiction but also hidden what it knew about tobacco smoke containing radioactive Polonium -210.

Mayo Clinic and Stanford University research has revealed that tobacco companies knew tobacco smoke actually exposed smokers and those around them to 300 times the radiation from an annual chest x-ray. Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the study shows that tobacco companies suppressed their own internal research finding significant levels of Polonium-210 in tobacco. Also in this month’s AJPH is research from the Harvard School of Public Health showing menthol levels were manipulated and marketed to increase addiction. “For decades, the tobacco industry has carefully manipulated menthol content not only to lure youth but also to lock in lifelong adult customers," said Dr. Howard Koh, a co-author of the paper.

Tobacco Free Marion County coordinator Julie Andersen says, “Almost weekly we are learning of unexpected hazards from exposure to tobacco. What is most shocking is that the industry has known for years how addictive and dangerous cigarettes are and chose to keep the research secret.”

Federal legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives recently to allow the FDA limited authority over tobacco. Coined by some tobacco free advocates as the “Marlboro Protection Act”, the bill would unfortunately not require the removal of toxic gases (like cyanide), or radioactive substances (like plutonium or uranium). Supported by tobacco giant Phillip Morris, the bill has been accused of being a ploy to preserve Marlboro’s U.S. market share. Earlier this year Phillip Morris International split from Phillip Morris America putting PMI’s product and marketing outside of any regulation by the U.S.

Area Representative John Boozman voted for the bill. Senators Lincoln and Pryor have yet to vote on the Senate’s version.

###