Tobacco industry rhetoric: how to recognize it and respond

Would increasing cigarette taxes have devastating consequences for jobs and public finances? Would banning tobacco advertising soon lead to bans on cervelat or air travel? Is the tobacco industry improving our health thanks to its “reduced-risk” products?

In public debates, the tobacco industry and its political and economic allies regularly rely on misleading arguments and well-rehearsed communication strategies. It is not always easy to identify these rhetorical techniques or to understand the interests they serve.

To shed light on these issues, we are making available a report, a booklet and explanatory videos. These resources will help you recognize the rhetorical strategies used by the tobacco industry and respond to them effectively.

Take action

If you are a prevention partner…

• Train yourself in the rhetorical techniques used by the tobacco industry.
• Share our content on your websites, in your communications, and on your social media.

If you are a politician…

• Seek information from NGOs active in prevention to anticipate the arguments and lobbying tactics of the tobacco industry and its allies.
• Commit to public health by supporting structural measures to combat smoking.
• Promote our booklet among your fellow elected officials.

If you are a professional in the education sector…

• Use our videos in class to start discussions with students.
• Contact us to develop an educational activity on the rhetoric of the industry.

If you are a citizen…

• Learn to recognize the industry’s manipulation techniques.
• Share our content with those around you to protect your community from the influence of the tobacco industry.