Philippines: Landmark case filed vs tobacco firm

Anti-smoking advocates will gathered on Monday 30th March at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 59 to show their support for a landmark case filed against a tobacco firm. Robert Reyes, the brother of the complainant, Vincent, said about 30 advocates were there to express their solidarity for the P500,000 damage suit filed by Vincent against Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc.

Reyes has flown in from Hong Kong to attend the 8:30 a.m. pretrial hearing at the sala of Judge Winlove Dumayas. Vincent died of lung cancer at the age of 47, months after he filed the case in 2004. In his complaint, he said the “barrage of television advertisements” enticed him to smoke when he was only 14 years old. The damage suit is considered a landmark case as all other cases filed against tobacco companies in the Philippines were dismissed.

Source: Philippine Daily Enquirer, 30 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/L5M0H

Finland: Government set to regulate tobacco sales

Beginning in April, Finland’s government is going to begin regulating the sales of all tobacco products in a bid to improve the health of its young citizens. According to the news agency YLE, any shop selling tobacco products will need an official licence as of next month or face heavy fines.

The Finnish government hopes the new regulations will decrease sales of tobacco to minors, which will ideally reduce the number of smokers in the upcoming generation. The new laws state that only specially licensed shops, news stands, or restaurants will be allowed to sell tobacco products.

Even automatic cigarette vending machines will be required to be supervised at all times the shop is open to prevent underage purchases. Retailers who wish to apply for the license will have to provide proof of how they plan to prevent minors from buying tobacco products. They will also have to provide Finland’s environmental officers copies of their shop’s floor plans indicating exactly where tobacco products will be stored and sold.

At present, around 40,000 retail outlets sell tobacco products throughout Finland. It is likely that some small news kiosks will not apply for the new license, which will cost EUR 200 per year. Since the emphasis of the new law is on preventing minors from buying tobacco, any retailer caught repeatedly selling to minors will lose their license.

Source: Ice News, 30 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/W6gYN

Smoking is a major determinant of health inequalities, MPs warn Government in report

There is an iron chain linking deprivation and smoking, says a Health Committee report on health inequalities, published 15 March.

In the section of the report dedicated to Tobacco Control, the Select Committee state that, as ASH describe,: "Death rates from tobacco are two to three times higher among disadvantaged social groups than among the better off."

It goes on to say that "much of the evidence received was highly optimistic about the likely impact of legislation banning smoking in public places, introduced in 2007. As this policy is so new, it is too early to see demonstrable effects in England, but studies in other countries suggest a positive impact, including a 19% decrease in smoking prevalence in New York City residents between 2002 and 2006."

The report concludes that "Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of health inequalities; we welcome both the Government's ban on smoking in public places, and its intention to ban point of sale tobacco advertising, as evidence suggests that both of these measures may have a positive impact on health inequalities.

However, tobacco smuggling, by offering smokers half price cigarettes, negates the positive impact of pricing and taxation policies. Tobacco smuggling has a disproportionate impact on the poor, particularly young smokers. Some progress has been made in this area but not enough; there has been no progress at all in reducing the market-share of smuggled hand-rolled tobacco, which is smoked almost exclusively by those in lower socio-economic groups.

We recommend the reinstatement of tough targets and careful monitoring now this crutial job has passed to UK Border Agency, to ensure that it remains a sufficiently high priority. We also recommend that the UK signs up to the agreements to control supply with the tobacco companies Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International as a matter of urgency."

Source: Health Select Committee Press Notice, 15 March 2009
 

Smoking and risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis among women and men

Abstract

Background: Alcohol and gallstone disease are the most established risk factors for pancreatitis. Smoking is rarely considered to be a cause despite the fact that a few studies have indicated the opposite. We aimed to assess the independent effects of smoking on the risk of pancreatitis. 

Methods: We used data from an observational, population-based cohort study conducted in Denmark. Participants were 9573 women and 8332 men who were followed up for a mean of 20.2 years. Participants underwent a physical examination and completed self-administered questionnaires about lifestyle habits. Information on incident cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis were obtained by record linkage with the Danish national registries.

Results: A total of 235 cases of pancreatitis occurred during follow-up. A dose-response association between smoking and risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis was observed in both men and women. For example, the hazard ratio of developing pancreatitis was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-4.7) among women and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.1-6.2) among men who smoked 15 to 24 grams of tobacco per day. Alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14 for each additional drink per day). The risk of pancreatitis associated with smoking, however, was independent of alcohol and gallstone disease. Approximately 46% of cases of pancreatitis were attributable to smoking in this cohort.

Conclusion: In this population of Danish men and women, smoking was independently associated with increased risk of pancreatitis.

Source: Schurmann Tolstrup, J. et al., Archives of Intrernal Medecine, Vol. 169 No. 6, 23 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/YmMhN

Alison Cooper appointed first chief operating officer at Imperial Tobacco

Alison Cooper looks like being the next woman executive to take on a big FTSE 100 role. Ms Cooper, known to friends as Jane, was named yesterday as the first chief operating officer of Imperial Tobacco, Britain’s No 1 cigarette manufacturer. The role is traditionally seen as a stepping stone to the post of chief executive within big companies. 

Officially, there is no vacancy yet at Imperial, whose brands include Lambert & Butler, Regal, Superkings, Rizla cigarette paper and Golden Virginia rolling tobacco — but Gareth Davis, its highly respected chief executive, who turns 59 in May, has always indicated that he would like to step down at about 60. Ms Cooper’s appointment suggests strongly that she is being groomed for this role.

Ms Cooper, the corporate development director of Imperial, joined the company in 1999 from PricewaterhouseCoopers, having worked with Mr Davis and his team for several years. She went on to become group financial controller in 2001, taking responsibility for financial management and control of Imps. She also played a crucial role in helping to integrate Reemtsma, the German tobacco group bought by Imps for £3 billion in May 2002, becoming director of finance and planning the following year.

In her new job she will retain her previous duties as well as taking responsibility for all sales and marketing, manufacturing and cigar activities. Imperial also confirmed yesterday that trading for the current financial year was in line with expectations.

Source: Times Online, 26 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/i392b

India: Supreme Court rues delay in picture warning against tobacco

The Supreme Court has sought a response on the allegations of an NGO that the government under pressure from the "tobacco lobby" was dragging its feet on issuing statutory pictorial warning on cigarette and tobacco products. "Why are you not implementing it? Millions are being affected, families are getting destroyed," a bench of Justices B N Aggrawal and G S Singhvi told the Government in a terse observation while issuing notice on the application moved by the NGO, Health For Millions.

The petitioner contended that thousands of people in the country are succumbing to cancer mostly due to the widespread use of cigarettes and tobacco products. In its application, the NGO complained that though the government originally brought in the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules in 2006 to making it mandatory for all tobacco products to display statutory pictorial warnings, "it was not implemented so far under pressure from the tobacco lobby".

Under the 2006 rules, the government had initially planned to display "skull and bones" besides a dead body on the packages and labels to caution people on the adverse effects of smoking and using tobacco products. Later, the government amended the rules in 2007 with a promise that it would be implemented from December 1, 2007 and also watered down the original pictorial warning with "smaller and ineffective warnings," the application said.

In the meantime, the NGO said the government moved an application in the apex court promising to implement the rules from March 17, 2008. Thereafter, another application was moved by the government promising to implement the rule from November 2008, and further delayed to May 2009.

The petitioner was apprehensive that the government would not implement the rule even from May 2009 on account of the pressure mounted by the "tobacco lobby" whose members, it alleged, have also filed petitions in various high courts seeking stay of the proposed law.

The NGO also wanted the apex court to direct the government to ensure that all cigarette pouches display the actual content of "nicotine" and "tar" - the two key ingredients reportedly responsible for causing cancer.

Source: The Hindu, 29 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/CUCPA

TV soap highlights smoke alarms use

A dramatic scene in long-running TV soap Coronation Street is set to highlight the importance of smoke alarms. Peter Barlow, played by Chris Gascoyne, falls asleep with a cigarette, after having a drink, setting his flat on fire where he lives with his son Simon, played by Alexander Bain.

In the episode of the ITV soap to be screened on 31st March, the smoke alarm has had the battery removed and the pair, overcome by smoke and fire, have to be rescued by neighbours just before the fire brigade turn up. The soap's producers worked with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the dangers of accidental fires in the home and the importance of maintaining a working smoke alarm.

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "Hopefully this highlights a very serious issue and will lead viewers to think about their own fire safety. The character of Peter Barlow has been struggling with an alcohol problem and this spills over this week with potentially tragic results. Not only has he been drinking, and therefore falls asleep smoking, but he has also taken the batteries out the smoke alarm and not replaced them. It's an oversight that leaves his son Simon fighting for his life."

Jim Owen, Assistant County Fire Officer, added: "We would like to thank the producers of Coronation Street for helping us to highlight the very real dangers that situations like this can put people in."

Source: The Press Association, 30 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/afiqD

US Supreme Court backs £56m payout to smoker's widow

The court upheld a 1999 ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court in favour of Mayola Williams, whose husband Jesse, who worked in local state schools, died in 1997 after smoking up to three packets a day. Mrs Williams alleged that Philip Morris had committed a "massive market-directed fraud" for many years by misleading people into thinking cigarettes were not dangerous or addictive. She argued that her husband had believed tobacco companies when they said the product was safe.

The judgment was the highest issued in a case brought by an individual against a tobacco company. With interest, the award has grown to almost $150 million. Although the ruling was a set back for Philip Morris, it will not necessarily open the floodgates to further litigation, analysts and activists said. "The substantial punitive damages will likely serve as a catalyst to other law-suits," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "But the case will also serve as a caution."

Many potential litigants, he said, would have neither the stamina nor the resources for a ten-year battle. The case has bounced around appeal courts, coming before the Supreme Court in 2003 and 2007. On both those occasions it set aside the award and ordered reconsideration by the courts in Oregon.

But the Oregon Supreme Court persisted with its view that the tobacco company's behaviour had been so egregious that the high punitive damages were justified. Having heard arguments in December, the Supreme Court judges said in a one-sentence order that they were not passing judgment on the legal issues presented, effectively saying that the appeal should not have been heard. "The message from the Supreme Court was 'we are done with this case'," said Mr Myers.

A statement issued on behalf of Philip Morris - which denies any wrongdoing - suggested it would fight an Oregon state law requires 60 per cent of any punitive damages be paid to the state. It claimed that that Oregon was party to an agreement precluding it from collecting any punitive damages from the company.

"If Philip Morris USA prevails, the company would be obligated to pay only the remaining 40 per cent of the punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff in this case," the statement concluded.

Source: The Telegraph, 31 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/7VWYD

The accuracy of self-reported smoking: A systematic review of the relationship between self-reported and cotinine-assessed smoking status

Abstract 

Introduction: Smoking is a leading cause of premature mortality and preventable morbidity. Surveillance is most often based on self-reported data, but studies have shown that self-reports tend to underestimate smoking status.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed the literature to measure the concordance between self-reported smoking status and smoking status determined through measures of cotinine in biological fluids. Four electronic databases were searched to identify observational and experimental studies on adult populations over the age of 18 years.

Results: Searching identified 67 studies that met the eligibility criteria and examined the relationship between self-reported smoking and smoking confirmed by cotinine measurement. Overall, the data show trends of underestimation when smoking prevalence is based on self-report and varying sensitivity levels for self-reported estimates depending on the population studied and the medium in which the biological sample is measured. Sensitivity values were consistently higher when cotinine was measured in saliva instead of urine or blood. Meta-analysis was not appropriate because of the substantial heterogeneity among the cutpoints used to define smokers and the poor reporting on outcomes of interest.

Discussion: Further research in this field would benefit from the standardization of cutpoints to define current smokers and the implementation of standard reporting guidelines to enhance comparability across studies. Accurate estimation of smoking status is important as data from population studies such as those included in this review are used to generate regional and national estimates of smoking status and in turn are used to allocate resources and set health priorities.

Source: Gorber, S. C. et al., Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2009, 27 January 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/oGw3X

Ukraine: Cigarette production to fall by 30-40% after May excise increase

Producers of tobacco goods predict a 30-40% fall in production if the excise duty is raised in May 2009.  "[There will be a] real cut in production, up to 30-40% if the law is enacted," Yurii Kyshko, head of the department for corporate relations of the Imperial Tobacco Ukraine company said. He said that the law would entail the reduction of paid taxes and cut the number of jobs.

According to the corporate manager of the JTI Ukraine company Dmytro Redko, if the excise is increased as of May, the minimum cost of a box of cigarettes in retail will rise from UAH 2.6-2.8 to UAH 5, when this price in Russia is only UAH 1.5. In essence, this is an attempt to go into the pockets of consumers," he said, noting that excise duty is a tax on consumers and that it is included in the prices of products.

Corporate relations department director of the Philip Morris Ukraine company Kostiantyn Riabenko, this excise increase would entail the destabilization of the legal production, and also become a negative signal for current and potential investors. Besides, he said that the segment of cheap cigarettes, which equals to one-third of the excise tax payments, could be fully replaced with smuggled goods.

"It will not result in a reduction in the number of smokers in the country but a reduction in the number of legal consumers," Kyshko said. Representatives of the tobacco companies said that the major smuggling sources will be Russia and Moldova, where the cigarette excises are substantially lower.

According to "For a Ukraine Free of Tobacco Smoke," which is a coalition of public organizations, cigarette prices in Ukraine are presently lower than prices in many other countries. In particular, the coalition said that a pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs UAH 6.5 in Ukraine, UAH 7.7 in Belarus, UAH 9.4 in Russia, and more than UAH 20 in member-countries of the European Union.

According to the coalition, the prices of the cigarettes in the medium price range will increase by 30-40% is this draft law is approved and by 20% if inflation is taken into account. The coalition said that scientific research indicated that this would result in a 5% reduction in consumption of cigarettes.

The Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine intends to increase the cigarette excises from 16% to 20% as of May. The excise tax on filter cigarettes will grow by 25% from February 1 or by UAH 7.5 to UAH 37.5 per 1,000 and the excise tax on non-filter cigarettes will grow by 24.8% or by UAH 3.1 to UAH 15.6 per 1,000.

Source: UKRA News, 18 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/u4Wa8

US: Tax may cut smoking rates

A big hike in the federal tax on cigarettes taking effect on April 1 may prompt 1 million U.S. smokers to quit, according to public health experts.

Expansion of a popular public health insurance program for lower income children is being financed by an increase in the federal excise tax on a pack of cigarettes of about $1.01 per pack, up from the current 39 cents on a $4.35 pack.

Smoking kills about 440,000 Americans annually and costs the nation $193 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity, said Dr. Terry Pechacek of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health.

"There is almost unanimous agreement across the scientific community and policymakers that raising the price of cigarettes in whatever fashion has a consistent effect on reducing smoking rates, increasing the quit rate among adult smokers and preventing the initiation of regular smoking by children and young adults," Pechacek said in a telephone interview.

Danny McGoldrick, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids advocacy group's vice president for research, said the formula is simple: as prices rise, fewer people buy cigarettes.

McGoldrick forecast the tax hike will persuade just over 1 million current smokers to quit and prevent 2 million children from starting. These changes will avert about 905,000 smoking-related deaths and save $44.5 billion in healthcare expenses over time, McGoldrick predicted.

President Barack Obama signed the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program on February 4. President George W. Bush had twice vetoed the bill, which also raises federal taxes on cigars and other tobacco products.

The industry is unhappy. Higher prices will lead to at least a 10 percent decline in cigarette sales and could put 117,000 people out of work, said Thomas Briant, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets.

Source: Reuters, 15 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/5PvnP

PQ: Smuggling

David Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was allocated to HM Revenue and Customs' work on tobacco smuggling in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The information requested is not available.

However, HMRC does make retrospective estimates of the staff years used on tobacco work. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 March 2009, Official Report, column 722W, in reply to his previous question on the subject.

Source: Hansard 24 March 2009 Column 635W
Link: http://tiny.cc/9cz3k

Medical students lack basic knowledge about smoking: Findings from two European medical schools

Abstract 

Introduction: Prevention of smoking-related disease is a major challenge to medicine. Although interventions delivered by clinicians can reduce smoking rates, the teaching of smoking cessation methods is not a top priority in most medical curricula.

Methods: Medical students from Göttingen, Germany (n = 1,435), and London (n = 656) were asked to complete a questionnaire on smoking-related mortality and the effectiveness of different approaches to smoking cessation. In addition, students’ perceived competence to counsel smokers was assessed.

Results: Smoking-related mortality was underestimated by students from both study sites. The data suggest that smoking medical students greatly overestimated the chances of reaching old age as a smoker. A substantial number of students falsely assumed that nicotine causes coronary artery disease. Overall knowledge of the long-term effectiveness of smoking cessation methods was poor. For example, medical students from Göttingen considered "willpower alone" more effective than comprehensive group cessation programs. Less than a third of medical students from both study sites felt competent to counsel smoking patients. This finding was constant across different stages of medical education.

Discussion: Students in both countries lacked relevant information about smoking and health and the effectiveness of cessation methods. Given the importance of smoking in practically all aspects of medicine and the role of clinicians in advising patients on and aiding cessation, this problem urgently needs to be addressed.

Source: Raupach, T. et al., Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 27 January 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/cgzpU

Suzuki extends contract with Rizla

The Suzuki motor cycle team has extended its partnership with Rizla, as the rolling papers brand continues as title sponsor to the Japanese team. The partnership first began in 2006, and is the reason for the distinctive sky blue shade of the Suzuki bikes.

"It is very positive news for Suzuki to continue our partnership with Rizla in today's current difficult climate," Team Manager Paul Denning commented. "We have enjoyed a very close relationship, both on and off the track, with Rizla during the past three years and have certainly considered all the representatives of Rizla as part of the team. The new bike has come a long way since last year and we know there is still more to come - Chris and Loris were both very impressed with the GSV-R, but we know there is still a lot of work to do."

Imperial Tobacco Group, the company behind the Rizla brand, also released a statement courtesy of Sales and Marketing Director Graham Blashill: "In difficult economic times, it is even more important to continue to support major brands and excellence in sport. Rizla and Suzuki are global brands committed to providing top quality and innovative products, and we are pleased to be continuing our partnership."

Ed note: Cigarette papers are exempt from the EU Directive on Tobacco Advertising

Source: GP Update, 17 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/pCZvN

Canada: Health Canada warns against sale, use of electronic smoking gadgets

Consumers should avoid purchasing or using electronic smoking products, which may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety and quality, Health Canada says.

The products - electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products - require market authorization before they can be imported, advertised or sold. No electronic smoking products have been granted market authorization in Canada, the federal department said in a press release.

In recent months, a number of electronic smoking products have been marketed in Canada and through the Internet. Most look like their conventional counterparts and produce a vapour that resembles smoke and a glow that resembles the tip of a cigarette.

The products use a battery-powered system that vaporized a liquid chemical mixture that may be composed of various amounts of nicotine, propylene glycol and other chemicals.

"Nicotine is a highly addictive and toxic substance, and the inhalation of propylene glycol is a known irritant," Health Canada said. "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction."

While electronic smoking products are prohibited, Health Canada has approved the sale of such nicotine-containing smoking-cessation aids as gum, patches, inhalers and lozenges.

Electronic smoking products must be kept away from children, who are at risk for choking or nicotine poisoning. Nicotine also poses a health hazard to pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with heart conditions and the elderly. Canadians who have used e-cigarette products and are concerned about their health should consult a health-care practitioner.

Anyone importing, advertising or selling electronic smoking products in Canada is ordered to cease immediately, said Health Canada. Those wishing for information on applying for appropriate market authorizations and establishment licences should visit the department's website at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/applic-demande/pol/notice-avis-e-cig-eng.php.

Source: The Canadian Press, 29 March 2009
Link: http://tiny.cc/22n8I

PQ: Smoking prevalence

David Drew (Stroud, Labour): To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) males and (b) females in the age groups (i) 10 to 15, (ii) 16 to 24, (iii) 25 to 49, (iv) 50 to 64, (v) 65 to 79 and (vi) 80 years and over (A) started and (B) ceased smoking in each of the last five years. [262984]

Phil Hope (Minister of State (Care Services; Minister for the East Midlands), Department of Health; Corby, Labour): The information requested is not available in the format requested.

Respondents to the General Household Survey (GHS) aged 16 and over have been asked questions about smoking behaviour since 1974. General trends in smoking are included in the GHS. The overall prevalence of smoking in England among the adult population was 21 per cent. in 2007. This is the lowest prevalence level since records began.

Source: Hansard 16 March 2009 Column 897W
Link: http://tiny.cc/enGh9

Txt2stop: a pilot randomised controlled trial of mobile phone-based smoking cessation support

Abstract

Aim: To conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial of mobile phone-based smoking cessation support intervention for the UK population. 

Design: Randomised controlled trial (txt2stop).

Setting: Community.

Participants: 200 participants responding to radio, poster and leaflet-based promotions regarding the trial.

Main outcome measures: The response rate for the outcome measures planned for the main trial. Participants’ qualitative responses to open-ended questions about the intervention content. Secondary outcomes were the outcomes planned for the main trial including the point prevalence of self-reported smoking at 4 weeks and pooled effect estimate for the short-term results for the STOMP and txt2stop trials.

Results: The response rate at 4 weeks was 96% and at 6 months was 92%. The results at 4 weeks show a doubling of self-reported quitting relative risk (RR) 2.08 (95% CI 1.11 to 3.89), 26% vs 12%. The pooled effect estimate combining txt2stop and a previous New Zealand trial in the short term is RR 2.18 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.65).

Conclusions: Mobile phone-based smoking cessation is an innovative means of delivering smoking cessation support, which doubles the self-reported quit rate in the short term. It could represent an important, but as yet largely unused, medium to deliver age-appropriate public health measures. The long-term effect of this mobile phone-based smoking cessation support will be established by a large randomised controlled trial currently in recruitment.

Source: Free, C. et al., Tobacco Control Journal 2009, doi:10.1136/tc.2008.026146
Link: http://tiny.cc/vE63F