Health

"Change" Meets Front Groups for the Status Quo

by Diane Farsetta — February 26, 2009 - 3:10pm

Following President Barack Obama's first address to Congress, which highlighted policy goals "ranging from expanding health-care coverage to cutting farm subsidies to cutting wasteful defense projects," corporate front groups are fighting back.

Main Source:

Wall Street Journal (sub req'd), February 26, 2009

Tobaco Company Offers Perks to British Parliamentary Aides

by Anne Landman — February 23, 2009 - 1:18pm

Nick Harris, the corporate affairs manager of Gallaher Group, the world's third largest tobacco company and the British subsidiary of

Main Source:

The Guardian (UK), February 23, 2009

Lobbyists Fuel Perchlorate Debate

by Diane Farsetta — February 16, 2009 - 2:55pm

"For decades prior to passage of clean-water laws in the 1970s, defense firms routinely dumped perchlorate, used in rocket fuel to generate an intense burn, into the ground and waterways. The substance has tainted water supplies in at least 26 states," and is linked to such health threats as "neurological impairments for infants." Military companies and U.S.

Main Source:

Mother Jones, February 2009

The Higher Cost of Biofuels

by Judith Siers-Poisson — February 11, 2009 - 5:49pm

A new study found that there is a higher health cost associated with corn-based biofuels than with traditional energy forms.

Main Source:

The Guardian (UK), February 2, 2009

Free Kick for Clothing and Footwear Front Group

by Bob Burton — February 10, 2009 - 12:15am

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was passed in the wake of controversy over the manufacturing standards of Chinese toy companies, set new lead limits for toys, clothes and other products which are aimed at children under 12. Associated Press reports that the Coalition for Safe and Affordable Childrenswear -- which it states "represents manufacturers and family business workers" -- is leading the protests against the new standards.

Main Source:

Associated Press, February 4, 2009

Lead Pipes vs. Crack Pipes

by Sheldon Rampton — January 30, 2009 - 3:20am

On January 26, the New York Times examined "The Epidemic That Wasn't" -- breathless news reporting from the 1980s that predicted an epidemic of irreparable damage to inner-city children whose mothers used crack cocaine. Actually, it turns out, the so-called "crack babies" are doing fine.

Main Source:

Columbia Journalism Review, January 28, 2009

The Legacy of Mr. Horace Kornegay

by Anne Landman — January 26, 2009 - 3:33pm

Topics: Corporate Campaigns, Health, Tobacco

Several newspapers reported in late January on the death of Horace R. Kornegay, Jr., who served as the Executive Director of the Tobacco Institute from 1969 to 1986. Mr. Kornegay's passing was little noticed, but he was one of the more notable opponents of public health measures in American history.

Thank You for Using Our [Fill in Name of Dangerous Product Here]

by Anne Landman — January 21, 2009 - 1:09pm

The Australian alcohol industry is taking a leaf from the tobacco industry and has promised to voluntarily devote ten percent of its advertising space to promoting web sites that discourage binge drinking, particularly among youth.

Main Source:

The Sydney Morning Herald, January 21, 2009

An Environmentally-Conscious, "Greener" Cigarette?

by Anne Landman — January 16, 2009 - 5:33pm

The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, maker of the niche brand "American Spirit" cigarettes, is trying to lure environmentally conscious smokers with certified organic, pesticide-free tobacco.

Main Source:

Plenty Magazine, January 14, 2009

Eli Lilly Finally Pays for Drug Marketing Abuses

by Diane Farsetta — January 16, 2009 - 5:03pm

Eli Lilly will pay the largest fine "in a health care case, and the largest criminal fine for an individual corporation ever imposed in a U.S. criminal prosecution of any kind." The pharmaceutical company will pay $1.42 billion to settle criminal and civil charges related to the marketing of its anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa.

Main Source:

Agence France Press, January 16, 2009