Cigarette Makers Get A Breather

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CIGARETTE MAKERS GET A BREATHER

Cigarette industry executives can wheeze a little easier. On Sept. 7, a federal appeals court in Philadelphia ruled that several tobacco companies did not, for the time being, have to release confidential documents. The papers, say antismoking activists, may help prove that the industry concealed information on smoking and health.

The court also removed U.S. District Judge Lee Sarokin, who had ordered the documents to be turned over. The panel questioned Sarokin's impartiality.EDITED BY HARRIS COLLINGWOOD