It was great to read how Europe is moving steadily towards public-area smoking bans ("Europe: Where the smoke is clearing," European Business, Nov. 22). The dangers of smoking are well-known, and I hope to see similar legislation here in the U.S. However, I was distressed there was no mention of tobacco companies' reactions in the discussion of economic impacts.
While we in the developed nations of the world are finally cutting back on our smoking, Big Tobacco is increasing its shipments to impoverished nations. The health dangers of smoking aren't avoided; they're just being "outsourced" to countries that can't afford to defend themselves with anti-smoking education, advertising, and laws. I hope next time you publish an article on smoking, your readers will get the whole picture.
Copyright 2004, by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
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