The Tobacco Debate

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THE TOBACCO DEBATE
For a long time there has been a conflict between tobacco industries and the health
community. The tobacco industries have been working under the oversight of the FDA to
produce tobacco products that are substantially better, but the health community argues that no
matter how it is packed it will still be harmful to health. Cigarette smoke is linked to a number of
health problems including lung and throat cancer and is believed to be the leading cause of
preventable death in America (Singh 1). The debate has been going on for years and a number of
policy players have played a role in the debate.
During the World War II, tobacco companies would provide free cigarettes to soldiers. By
the 1940’s it had become a main source for government revenue and was highly publicized
through advertisements.In the early 1950’s tobacco smoke was linked to several types of cancer,
and its revenue begun dropping. This emphasis was carried out through the 60’s with extensive
research being carried out to determine the relationship between cigarette smoke and cancer
(Salgado and Glantz 45). The first warning labels were introduced in 1965 and by 1975 the army
had stopped providing free cigarettes to its members. Smoking was then banned in domestic
flights in the 90’s. The popularity of cigarette smoking had reduced by the 2000’s as people
became more aware of the dangers this habit caused. Cigarette producing factories have in the
past been sued for false advertising or failing to highlight the dangers of using their products.

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One of the major policy players when it came to the tobacco debate was the American lung
association. It is a voluntary health organization that works to save lives through improving lung
health. With the discovered link between cigarette smoke and lung cancer it is no surprise that
they are against tobacco companies. They strongly advocate for the reduction of tobacco due to
its relation to lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable death
among Americans. They have been involved in anti- smoking campaigns such as one to help
teenagers stop the use of e- cigarettes, which has led to the successful ban of e- cigarettes and
vaping in the states of New York and Michigan The association recommends policies to the state
and federal government on effective laws which will control the use of tobacco so as to save
lives. The policies are made with the aim of preventing disease associated with tobacco use. A
report is made annually to assess the success of different states in controlling the use of tobacco.
Policy makers and people in power are responsible for ensuring that the policies they make serve
the best interest of the citizens and this is one strategy that the American Lung Association are
uses this to influence the decision of elected officials.
The American Lung Association evaluates the actions taken by different states towards the
reduction of tobacco use. They also encourage the general public as well as the press to help in
this campaign (Griffith 102).
Another main policy player is the Philip Morris International. This company is a major
cigarette and tobacco company in America. It sells its products to more than 100 countries
around the world. They produce six brands of cigarettes including long beach, Marlboro, ST
DuPont Paris and U mild. Since tobacco is a highly addictive substance, the company has been
involved in a lot of controversies, with critics siting that they play a role in contributing to the
epidemic of lung cancer. The controversies include marketing of cigarettes in the 60’s targeting