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Exaggerating the economic importance of the industry

'''Employment generation, tax contributions and other economic indicators are often employed by the tobacco industry to supposedly demonstrate its contributions to a country's economy. But the figures provided by the companies not only exaggerate the economic importance of this industry but also ignore the health, social, environmental and health costs entailed by tobacco and its derivatives."1.

The tobacco industry strives to interfere in the political process. It exaggerates its own contribution, expressed in terms of job creation (direct and indirect), tax contributions and other economic indicators, to the economy of a country, region, province or municipality. Economic information is not only sensational, but also ignores the negative impact of tobacco use, including the evasion of public resources used to treat millions of people who develop tobacco-associated diseases.

It tries to oppose tobacco control measures on the grounds that such measures would negatively impact the generation and maintenance of jobs and, consequently, the country's economy. With this argument, the industry creates "lobbies" against tax increases on tobacco products, predicting catastrophic consequences for its business. In fact, evidence shows that, at least so far, job losses in the tobacco sector have little to do with stricter tobacco control measures. A recent post2 highlights how the tobacco industry lobbies against taxation and tariffs on cigarettes on the pretext that reduced production costs would preserve jobs. In addition to obtaining tax advantages, the industry also reorganized and consolidated its production processes, leading to job losses in the sector. Indeed, even if their demands are met, it would not cause any species familiar with anti-smoking to threaten to close a factory or department and move elsewhere, despite their claims of social commitment and responsibility.

Economic studies reveal that industry claims about potential job losses and other economic losses resulting from stricter tobacco controls are exaggerated; in fact, such losses are negligible. If consumption falls, job losses in tobacco-dependent sectors are more than offset by increased employment in other sectors that do not harm the overall economy. 3.

October 31, 2018: FGV Projetos carried out the “Study of the Socio-Economic Effects of Regulation, by Anvisa, of the matters dealt with in public consultations nº 112 and 117, of 2010”

FGV Projetos carried out the “Study of the Socioeconomic Effects of Regulation, by Anvisa, of the subjects that deal with public consultations No. the most attractive smuggling product, relates the economic and social consequences of changing the smoker's preference. The study aims to analyze the potential economic and social effects resulting from the implementation of new restrictions on packaging and communication materials for cigarette brands, as well as the ban on their display at the point of sale and the use of ingredients in their manufacture, foreseen in Public Consultations nº 112 and 117, of 2010, published by ANVISA.

In this regard also read:

  • Countering Critics
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21/10/2024

Bulletin thirteen published by the Center for Studies on Tobacco and Health of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz). This edition is composed of: editorial; Tax reform and the interests of the tobacco industry: a critical look; Investigating the veiled promotion of vapes: an interview with Pedro Nakamura; Profile of Senator Soraya Thronicke: the "Muse of Smoking" and her lobby for the legalization of electronic smoking devices; and PAHO updates the strategic action plan to strengthen tobacco control in the Americas region 2025-2030.

Referência

A REFORMA tributária e os Interesses da Indústria do tabaco: um olhar crítico [boletim TREZE]. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, n. 13, 21 out. 2024.

 

16/07/2024

Highlights with topics considered important with the aim of promoting debates and decision-making in the field of tobacco control. In this edition, the agenda is about: Studies Reveal Philip Morris Strategies to expand the electronic cigarette market, the digital influence of vapers, Agatres' tactics, disguised advertising and controversial partnerships.

 

Referência

KORNALEWSKI, Alex Medeiros; CARVALHO, Alexandre Octavio Ribeiro de; BARATA, Danielle; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme; TURCI, Silvana Rubano. Destaques do Observatório sobre as Estratégias da Indústria do Tabaco. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, julho, 2024. Acesso em: 16 julho 2024.

 

29/05/2024

Highlights with topics considered important with the aim of promoting debates and decision-making in the field of tobacco control. In this edition, the agenda is about: updating legislation on electronic smoking devices (DEF) in Brazil. The Resolution of the Collegiate Board - RDC No. 855, of April 23, 2024, maintains the prohibition of manufacturing, importing, selling, distributing, storing, transporting and advertising these devices and other news about interference by the tobacco industry.

Referência

KORNALEWSKI, Alex Medeiros; CARVALHO, Alexandre Octavio Ribeiro de; BARATA, Danielle; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme; TURCI, Silvana Rubano. Destaques do Observatório sobre as Estratégias da Indústria do Tabaco. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, maio, 2024. Acesso em: 29 maio 2024.

 

27/03/2024

Bulletin eleven published by the Center for Studies on Tobacco and Health of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz). This edition consists of an editorial signed by Luis Guilherme Hasselmann; opinion on the integration of agrarian control in accordance with the global demands of COP 10, by Breno Gaspar; interview with Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva – Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Implementation of the Framework Convention (CONICQ) and extra news.

Referência

DESAFIOS e perspectivas: indústria do tabaco, saúde e agricultura familiar no Brasil [boletim DOZE]. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, n. 12, 27 mar. 2024.

 

19/09/2023

Bulletin eleven published by the Center for Studies on Tobacco and Health of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz). This edition consists of an editorial signed by Luis Guilherme Hasselmann; opinion on the re-creation of the Ministry of Agrarian Development; interview with Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva – Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Implementation of the Framework Convention (CONICQ) and other news.

Referência

DESAFIOS e perspectivas: indústria do tabaco, saúde e agricultura familiar no Brasil [boletim ONZE]. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, n. 11, 19 set. 2023.

 

30/08/2023

Highlights with topics considered to be of note in order to promote debates and decision-making in the context of tobacco control. In this edition, the agenda deals with: the union of forces of institutions and civil society against the tobacco industry; reflections on the impact of smoking, with the example of Aracy Balabanian; political lobby of the tobacco industry and interference in printed and electronic newspapers such as Folha do Mate and Gazeta do Sul.

Referência

KORNALEWSKI, Alex Medeiros; CARVALHO, Alexandre Octavio Ribeiro de; BARATA, Danielle; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme; TURCI, Silvana Rubano. Destaques do Observatório sobre as Estratégias da Indústria do Tabaco. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, jul. 2023. Acesso em: 30 ago. 2023.

 

31/07/2023

Highlights with topics considered to be of note in order to promote debates and decision-making in the context of tobacco control. In this edition, the agenda deals with: the Tobacco Industry's lobby for the Regulation of Electronic Smoking Devices (EDSs); tax reform: an important step for Public Health; a critical look at the tobacco industry and DEFs: a growing danger for passive smokers indoors.

Referência

KORNALEWSKI, Alex Medeiros; CARVALHO, Alexandre Octavio Ribeiro de; BARATA, Danielle; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme; TURCI, Silvana Rubano. Destaques do Observatório sobre as Estratégias da Indústria do Tabaco. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, jul. 2023. Acesso em: 31 jul. 2023.

 

07/07/2023

Highlights with topics considered to be of note in order to promote debates and decision-making in the context of tobacco control. In this edition, the agenda deals with: deconstructing the information disseminated by the National Forum Against Piracy and Illegality; The truth about the partnership between Deputy Marcelo Moraes and the tobacco industry; Clearance of Electronic Smoking Devices (EDS): A Threat to Youth Health! and the truth behind ESG strategies: Unmasking the tobacco industry and SindiTabaco.

Referência

KORNALEWSKI, Alex Medeiros; CARVALHO, Alexandre Octavio Ribeiro de; BARATA, Danielle; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme; TURCI, Silvana Rubano. Destaques do Observatório sobre as Estratégias da Indústria do Tabaco. Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, jul. 2023. Acesso em: 7 jun. 2023.

 

02/08/2022

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have published a paper titled “Should IQOS Emissions Be Considered as Smoke and Harmful to Health? A Review of the Chemical Evidence.” The researchers conducted a literature review of studies examining emissions from heated tobacco products (HTPs).

Fonte: https://exposetobacco.org/wp-content/uploads/IQOS-smoke-free-doubts.pdf

 

23/05/2022

The illicit trade in tobacco products represents a major global concern for public health, economy and public safety. More specifically, the illicit trade in tobacco products undermines tobacco control policy efforts, particularly in relation to tax policy. As they are not taxed or regulated, illicit tobacco products do not have health warnings or packaging or labeling requirements, which favors their consumption. As with other regions in the world, the illegal cigarette trade in Mercosur involves lower average prices compared to taxed cigarettes. Furthermore, the increase in the accessibility of cigarettes, via the informal market, combined with the lower prices of smuggled products - and therefore not subject to regulation - favors the consumption of cigarettes by young people and low-income populations 1,4.

Referência

HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme Hasselmann; RICHTER,  Ana Paula Cardoso; TURCI, Silvana Rubano; SILVA, Vera Luiza da Costa. Uso pela indústria do tabaco (IT) de estratégias de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) para interferir no combate ao comércio ilícito [projeto STOP]. Centro de Estudos sobre Tabaco e Saúde (Cetab), Rio de Janeiro, 23 mai. 2022. 49p.

 

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