Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106488

Edward L. Sweda, Tobacco Control Resource Center, 102 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, 617-373-8462, ed@tplp.org

Objective: Suing tobacco companies, a viable strategy to improve public health and to hold those companies accountable for their reprehensible conduct, should be encouraged. Method: The author has analyzed hundreds of lawsuits against tobacco companies. One important category of lawsuits against the tobacco industry has focused on the industry's efforts to deter smoking cessation among health-conscious smokers by promoting so-called “light” or “ultra light” cigarettes as a less hazardous alternative to regular cigarettes. There have been at least twenty such cases in the U.S., as well as cases filed in other countries, including Canada. Results: After a US $10.1 billion verdict against Philip Morris in March 2003, where an Illinois judge declared that the company's “practices offend public policy, are immoral, unethical, oppressive and unscrupulous” regarding the promotion of “light” cigarettes, the highest court in Massachusetts in August 2004 allowed a similar class action to proceed. The family of an Oregon woman who died of lung cancer after having switched to a “light” cigarette won a $100,165,000 verdict against Philip Morris. Conclusions: Learning about “light” cigarette lawsuits will enhance the ability of those working in tobacco control to educate the public, including key decision makers, about this particular tobacco industry deceptive trade practice and will facilitate cooperation with attorneys who represent its victims.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be better equipped to educate the public, including key decision makers, about this particular tobacco industry deceptive trade practice and to cooperate with attorneys who represent its victims.

Keywords: Tobacco Litigation, Tobacco Industry

Related Web page: www.tobacco.neu.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation