An Analysis of the Tobacco Settlement in Relation to Adolescent Tobacco Use

Abstract

The tobacco industry has been a formidable purveyor of excess morbidity and premature mortality in the United States. Recently, two major comprehensive settlements, the 1997 defeated tobacco agreement and the 1998 multistate settlement, have provided hope to health professionals, legislators, and the general public that the tobacco companies would be brought to their knees. Many will be surprised to learn that the tobacco companies have been tripped but they have not fallen. This review examines the 1997 settlement, major components of the 1998 multistate settlement, the limitations of the 1998 settlement, and the implications of the current settlement for future adolescent tobacco use.