Uk Research Conferences, 1979

The tobacco industry was concerned that government agencies would use the nitrosamine issue to impose further regulations on tobacco products. BAT group scientists discussed this concern at an R&D policy conference held in the United Kingdom on February 10 to 14, 1979. The notes from the conference, prepared by Dr. S. J. Green of BAT R&D, indicate that BAT executives agreed that they should attempt to establish "safe level" thresholds for nitrosamines:

The likely increase in pressure in this area from the anti-smoking lobby was noted. In the absence of threshold figures (e.g. safe levels for nitrosamines) any measured number could harm the Industry. Consideration should be given to the possibility of establishing thresholds. It was agreed that on nitrosamines some sighting shots should be aimed on both ambient air and sidestream smoke. {1175.03, p. 4}

The implication here is that the industry would attempt to show that nitrosamine levels in all cigarettes were below the "safe level," thus preventing government regulation of cigarettes based on their nitrosamine content. On the other hand, the industry realized that any mention of a "measured number" could be dangerous because it would be an explicit admission that tobacco smoke contains hazardous substances.

An R&D conference held later in 1979 in London confirmed the growing realization of the importance of the passive smoking issue. The notes from the meeting, prepared by Dr. L. C. F. Blackman of BAT R&D, state:

18. SIDESTREAM

Concern for the passive smoker was regarded as likely to become a key issue in the future and the GR&DC programme was regarded as of importance—both for defensive and offensive (i.e., possible commercial advantage) purposes [emphasis added]. {1176.02, p. 9}