NEW Secret Tobacco Industry Documents Unveiled by Waxman:

Charges "Systematic Manipulation" of Nicotine in Commercial Cigarettes

After his initial disclosures last week set off a firestorm of controversy, Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) today returned to the House floor to unveil additional previously-secret tobacco industry documents.

He charged that the documents suggest that Philip Morris engaged in "systematic manipulation" of nicotine and nicotine parameters in commercially available cigarettes.

He said that there appears to be only one conclusion which can be drawn from this evidence: Philip Morris deliberately increased nicotine levels in commercially available cigarettes. Specifically he charged:

First, Philip Morris researchers determined that the natural nicotine-to- tar ratio level was .07.

Second, Philip Morris researchers recommended that this natural ratio be increased to .1 in low tar cigarettes to increase acceptability and strength.

Third, shortly after this recommendation was made, Philip Morris raised the nicotine-to-tar ratio in Benson and Hedges cigarettes to the recommended level of .1 and above, and they introduced a new brand Merit Ultralight with a similar elevated nicotine-to-tar ratio.

Finally, Waxman concluded that the documents he read into the Congressional Record provided compelling evidence that Philip Morris commercialized its research on the pharmacological effects of nicotine on smokers.

He said top company officials, including Philip Morris Board of Directors and at least three separate vice presidents for research and development, had knowledge of the secret nicotine research programs.

The allegations set forth above are based solely upon a speech made by Congressman Waxman on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today as broadcast by C-Span.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 31, 1995

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: John Banzhaf (202) 659-4310

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