The merchants of death

Every year, on May 31, WHO and partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2017 is “Tobacco — a threat to development.” Let’s peep into the nitty-gritty of tobacco and its regulated consumption.

1 Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik and his company called Ruyan which literally meant “just like smoke” hit the headlines after the millennium due to his brand new invention. Some in China have called it the fifth invention — after navigation, gunpowder, printing and paper. What are we talking about?

2 A landmark Australian law on restricting tobacco use has been upheld at the World Trade Organisation. The news is a blow to the tobacco industry. The idea was first suggested in 1989 by the New Zealand Department of Health’s Toxic Substances Board. What changes did they initiate?

3 This controversial ad prepared for ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) of New Zealand was banned due to its depiction of a tragedy. Two smoking cigarettes were used to create the tragic scenes. The text reads: “Terrorism related deaths since 2001: 11,337. Tobacco related deaths since 2001: 30,000,000.” Which original tragedy did it use?

4 The FIA, the world governing body of motor racing, banned tobacco advertising and sponsorship by cigarette makers. Recently this team’s renewed collaboration with Philip Morris International Tobacco Company’s bestselling product has angered the Anti-smoking groups. Which team are we referring to?

5 This Tobacco whistleblower was dismissed from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company while resisting the company’s use of a potentially dangerous pipe tobacco additive. He won a $246 billion settlement for tobacco-related illnesses. His story is the subject of the movie, The Insider starring Al Pacino. Who is he?