Fiona Reynolds, PRI Podcasts

How is the tobacco industry different from other undesirable industries?

No Safe Use: There is no safe level of tobacco consumption. When used as intended, tobacco will have contributed to the early death of two out of three smokers. (Source)
UN Treaty: Due to the profound scale of the negative impact of tobacco – an estimated eight million deaths per year (Source) – tobacco is the focus of the world’s only global health treaty – the United Nations’ Tobacco Control Treaty – which has been ratified by 183 Member States covering almost 90% of the world’s population.
Engagement is futile: The World Health Organisation has declared, “The tobacco industry is not and cannot be a partner in effective tobacco control” (Source) and “Engagement with the tobacco industry is contrary to the United Nations’ systems, objectives, fundamental principles and values.” (Source) Positive influence of the industry through professional engagement is futile, as the only acceptable outcome would be for tobacco companies to cease their primary business.