Smoking and health

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One of our six core principles is openness about the risks of smoking: public authorities have determined that smoking causes and/or is a risk factor for a number of diseases. We support efforts to advise smokers accordingly. No one should smoke without being fully informed about the risks of doing so.

Public health authorities in most countries have made their own determinations about tobacco-related issues. These authorities have concluded, for instance, that tobacco smoke is a cause of, or an important risk factor for, certain diseases including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also have found that cigarette smoking is addictive, as that term is commonly used, and that smokers risk not being able to quit. In addition, authorities have determined that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (often called "secondhand smoke") is a cause of certain illnesses in non-smokers. They inform the public accordingly.

JTI recognizes that cigarettes are a legal but controversial product. People smoke for pleasure but there are real risks that come with that pleasure. Accordingly we believe that our industry should be appropriately regulated. We also believe in the freedom of adults to choose whether they want to smoke and that no one should smoke unless he or she understands the risks of doing so. These risks distinguish tobacco from most consumer goods and they place upon us a real burden of responsibility. It's a responsibility for which we expect to be held accountable, together with governments and the rest of society.

Read our positions on smoking and health related issues:

Active smoking
Addiction
Compensatory smoking
Environmental tobacco smoke
Ingredients
Nicotine manipulation
Reduced risk cigarettes
Role of nicotine
Social cost of smoking
Tar & nicotine testing
Youth smoking prevention
Youth smoking prevention programs