Along with statements about the dangers of smoking, the Web site says that smoking is addictive. It stops short of agreement that secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease but says adults should minimize smoking around children to avoid endangering their health. The Web site is being launched along with an expensive TV ad campaign highlighting Philip Morris' efforts to combat a series of social problems. Philip Morris' public positions, and those of industry rivals, have been evolving over time from the absolute denials and scathing attacks on the U.S. surgeon general that made them an object of widespread derision. Certain of the Web site statements are striking, however, for how little there is to distinguish them from the views of scientific and health organizations.
Smokers are far more likely to develop serious diseases, like lung cancer, than nonsmokers.
There is no 'safe' cigarette. These are and have been the messages of public health authorities worldwide. Smokers and potential smokers should rely on these messages in making all smoking-related decisions. It can be very difficult to quit smoking, but this should not deter smokers who want to quit from trying to do so. Even though we do not agree with many of their conclusions . . .