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."