May 22, 2009 - The tobacco industry has lost another round in the courts as it fights to preserve deceptive marketing campaigns intended to addict consumers with deadly products.  While the public health community applauds the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling and efforts to restrict the industry’s marketing practices, we believe the court missed an opportunity to hold Big Tobacco accountable for its misdeeds by failing to order tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns as requested by the federal government, the American Heart Association and other health organizations.  Misleading advertisements of “light” and “low tar” cigarettes have increased the ranks of one and two-pack a day smokers and resources to help individuals quit are not adequately funded in many communities.  Many smokers want to quit but do not have the support services to reduce their dependency on tobacco. 

With comprehensive smoking cessation programs, up to 40 percent of participants are able to break the cycle of addiction and stay off cigarettes for at least one year, reducing their risk for heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses.  About one-third of smoking related deaths are associated with cardiovascular disease and while prevention programs may stop another teenager or adult from beginning a deadly habit, smokers will die prematurely without effective treatment programs and strong anti-smoking campaigns.  These programs offer the best hope for saving lives and reducing the harm inflicted by the industry over many generations.
 

Contact: Suzanne Ffolkes, (202) 785-7929