by William I. Campbell

About the author: William I. Campbell is the president and chief executive officer of Philip Morris U.S.A., one of the largest cigarette manufacturers in the world.

Iwould like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on charges that have recently been made against the industry and Philip Morris. First, Philip Morris does not add nicotine to our cigarettes. Second, Philip Morris does not “manipulate” or independently “control” the level of nicotine in our products. Third, Philip Morris has not used patented processes to increase or maintain nicotine levels. Fourth, cigarette smoking is not addictive. Fifth, Philip Morris has not hidden research which says that it is. And, finally, consumers are not misled by the published nicotine...