Pubdate: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 Source: Orange County Register (CA) Copyright: 1999 The Orange County Register Contact: http://www.ocregister.com/ PHILIP MORRIS ACKNOWLEDGES SMOKING RISKS Philip Morris Cos. is acknowledges that scientific evidence shows that smoking causes lung cancer and other deadly diseases, after decades of disputing the findings of the U.S surgeon general and other medical authorities. In recent years Philip Morris, the nation's largest cigarette maker, has moved closer to prevailing scientific opinions about the health risks of smoking, as it has faced increasing pressure from smoking-related lawsuits and Congress. But on a new Internet site it is unveiling today, the company unequivocally says there is an "overwhelming medical and scientific consensus that cigarette smoking causes" diseases including lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It also says that smoking "is addictive as that term is most commonly used today." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D