Smoking Bans Help West As Big Tobacco Eyes Developing World

by Mike Smith · 2009-09-28 03:28:00 -0400
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Smoking bans in public places across Europe have proved surprisingly successful two reports conclude, helping to cut heart-attack numbers by almost a third. Tens of thousands of lives are being saved, but it's not such good news for the developing world.

Higher taxes, lawsuits and smoking bans are forcing big tobacco to move its gaze away from the West and towards the developing world. China now has more smokers than the entire US population whilst Africa offers big tobacco huge market opportunities with smoking rates being fairly low. Time report that British American Tobacco devotes 1% of local profits to improve access to water and... wait for it... healthcare. Healthcare! Nigeria filed a $44 billion damages suit against British American last year.

Tobacco isn't just a problem for those smoking it, or those enjoying the smooth second hand taste and respiratory problems. Smokers in rural Indonesia have been found to be spending large parts of the family food budget on cigarettes, worsening malnutrition.

[Photo credit: Erinisfunky]

Mike Smith
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