Advising the Smoker

Will nonusers of tobacco, especially teenagers, misinterpret our message and begin smokeless tobacco use? It is possible, so we have directed our message carefully and specifically to adult smokers. We are opposed to tobacco initiation by anyone. But we recognize that tobacco initiation is a complicated matter, more influenced by peer pressure and parental usage than by a scientific discussion of tobacco risks. History tells us that in spite of our best efforts, some portion of the population has always been addicted to tobacco. In its concern over tobacco initiation, society cannot deny adult smokers medical information permitting them to lead longer and healthier lives. Our message does not represent tobacco promotion, but tobacco pragmatism.