Three FACTS about Tobacco
1. It is a FACT that no scientifically proven
direct causal relationship
between smoking and disease has ever been found to
exist. This
remains true, despite the vast sums of maney being
spent an
research by medical authorities and by the
industry in attempting
to trace any such link.
2. It is a FACT that a vast amount of statistical
data exists, which is
believed by many doctors and authorities to show
that a causal link
exists between smoking and certain diseases.
Note (i) this is the heart of the smoking
controversy, and
the weight of evidence is not to be lightly
dismissed.
Note (ii) yet even the strongest statistical data
can never
amount to direct proof of causation on its own -
other hypotheses, also suggested by doctors and
research workers, have to be considered, for
example that smoking and disease may share a
common cause in the bodily constitution, or that
the living and working conditions of the person
concerned may be involved in the disease.
Note (iii) in any case the evidence does not all
point one
way - in the 30,000 or more reports an this
subject there are many anomalies and
contradictions.
Indeed the scientists at times disagree amongst
themselves on the interpretation of the data and
charges against tobacco can be supported by one
set of figures and countered by another. Even
the best-informed opinions can honestly differ on
where the facts lie.
3. It is a FACT that many smokers and many health
authorities have
expressed a preference for cigarettes with a lower
tar and nicotine
content, even though the health effects of any of
these or of any
other cigarettes are unknown. The tobacco
companies are
responsible commercial enterprises which are
always prepared
as far as possible to give the customer what he
wants and to fit
in with government requirements. To this end they
are constantly
modifying and developing their products, and the
cigarettes they
sell today are far different from those of twenty
and even ten years
ag o.
Although it is clear that the allegations that
smoking causes disease
have not been proven, the reverse is also true -
it has not been
proved that smoking is not possibly a health
hazard. Consequently C:)
research into this subject must be continued.
GKR/5.8.83
BAT IndustrieS document for Province of BritiSh
COIUMbia 2 Novernber 1999