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The US tobacco industry is questioning a recent study that claims to prove a direct link between lung cancer and smoking. The research, undertaken by medical scientists, found that a component of cigarette smoke, known as benzo(a)pyrene, causes the body to produce a carcinogen, B(a)PDE, that damages the p53 genes which act to suppress cancerous cells. Some 70% of lung cancer victims are found to have damaged p53 genes. Cigarette producer Brown and Williamson says that the study is flawed because non-smokers were not included in the research.

Anti-smoking groups in China are condemning the launch of two new cigarette brands aimed at women. However, some sociologists say that the makers of the new cigarettes are merely being realistic and that the new products, which deliver less tar than normal cigarettes, are not as harmful as ordinary brands. Kunming Cigarette Factory's Chahua brand is available in 10 southern cities, while Yuxi Cigarette Factory's Yuren is available in several cities including Guangzhou and Dalain.

The UK government seems to be acting illogically in considering placing a ban on B6 vitamin pills of more than 10 mg, except where they are prescribed by a doctor. It is possible that there are health dangers associated with high-dosage B6 vitamin pills, but a more appropriate approach would be to issue warnings and allow consumers to decide for themselves. Similarly, the government did not display logic in banning cigarettes delivering more than 12 mg of tar at the beginning of 1998. This move ignores the fact that lower tar cigarettes are not known to be any less dangerous than higher tar ones are claimed to be.

The unprecedented attacks on the U.S. tobacco and cigarette industries have resulted in increased media attention for their UK counterparts. The U.S. controversy is focusing on proposals that nicotine be registered as an addictive drug, that smokers pay more for their health care through federal excise tax and that smoking be banned in all work-places, except under special circumstances. Allegations that US cigarette makers spike their products with extra nicotine have also caused worries in the UK, where manufacturers are having to defend their practices through the media.