Monday, April 19, 2010

Bay Guardian and SF Weekly agree on tobacco ads

The Bay Guardian and the SF Weekly are bitter rivals for market share in SF, but they agree on one thing: taking advertising money from tobacco companies. Pick up the current issue of the two weeklies and out tumbles an insert advertising Camel Snus, a smokeless tobacco product. The Center for Disease Control tells us why these products are so sinister:

Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
Smokeless tobacco is a known cause of human cancer; it increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.
Smokeless tobacco is also strongly associated with leukoplakia—a precancerous lesion of the soft tissue in the mouth that consists of a white patch or plaque that cannot be scraped off.
Smokeless tobacco is associated with recession of the gums, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Smokeless tobacco use can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence.
Adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

The two publications were in similar accord several years ago when both carried an ad selling a tobacco product to young women.

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1 Comments:

At 9:42 AM, Anonymous Dave said...

Sadly, I suppose, both publications are struggling to survive—especially SF Weekly in light of the Bay-Guardian's successful lawsuit—that I doubt either can be too picky about what advertising they accept. But I agree with you that it's sad that they are sinking so low.

I'm hopeful that the city will pass the strictest new anti-smoking legislation possible. I'm tired of being forced to breathe tobacco smoke as I walk down the street.

Please, no rants from the crazies about car exhaust. While it's undoubtedly there, I rarely ever smell it, while I am forced to choke on cigarette (and marijuana) smoke daily.

 

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