Mongoven, Biscoe & Duchin : destroying tobacco control activism from the inside

(Disponible en anglais seulement.)

Mongoven, Biscoe & Duchin is a specialist PR firm that works with tobacco companies. This report presents evidence of the measures that MBD, and other firms like it, take in order to damage tobacco control efforts. The facts that are presented help support an image of the tobacco industry as threatened by tobacco control.

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/11/2/112

Comment: This article is from 2002, but it pays to be vigilant. Watch out for these trouble makers!

Tobacco industry success in preventing regulation of secondhand smoke in Latin America : the "Latin Project"

(Disponible en anglais seulement.)

Tobacco industry documents revealed that Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco used a law firm to create relationships with scientists and physicians to advocate against smoke-free bans in workplaces and public areas. The actions of the industry have been victorious in impeding development of public health programs on secondhand smoke.

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/11/4/305

Comment: Industry sponsored research and researchers, well-placed articles to influence public opinion, and all organized by a law firm to disguise the industry backing. Sneaky, and interesting as to the lengths the industry will go to.

Lorillard's "Candy Box" ad for Newport cigarettes : is she pregnant?

(Disponible en anglais seulement.)

This cover essay discusses the 1985 Newport Lights ad "Candy Box" in which the model appears to be pregnant. Lorillard insisted that photo cropping and the blouse were to blame, and that the model was not pregnant. The FTC investigation cleared Lorillard, but their true intent with the ad remains suspect.

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/9/suppl_3/iii3

Comment: Make sure you look at the "Candy Box" ad they're discussing. The intention to make the model look pregnant is evident. This is low, even for the tobacco industry.

Almond consumption reduces oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in male smokers

(Disponible en anglais seulement.)

Almonds are a source of antioxidant nutrients. Results of this randomized, crossover clinical trial demonstrate that almond consumption can decrease biomarkers of oxidative stress and increase antioxidant defenses in healthy young males who smoke.

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/137/12/2717

Comment: More proof of the power of almonds. Hopefully this isn't interpreted as a reason to continue smoking...