The product is mass-marketed, employing billions of dollars in sophisticated advertising and promotional campaigns. The reach of tobacco companies encompasses the globe. In the United States alone, over 420,000 people die EACH YEAR from illnesses and disease related to cigarette smoking and tobacco use. Another 50,000-70,000 Americans die from exposure to the toxic chemicals in secondhand cigarette smoke. Most become addicted for the rest of their shortened lives.
Tobacco companies prey on societies weakest members.