Additives think tank to seek evidence for court case

As part of measures being taken in support of a damages suit being brought against major tobacco companies by South Korea’s state health insurer, the Health Ministry plans to establish a think tank to research the additives used in cigarettes manufactured and distributed in the country, according to a story in The Korea Herald.

The National Health Insurance Service last year filed a lawsuit against KT&G, British American Tobacco and Philip Morris seeking damages of WON53.7 billion (US$52 million) for the costs of treating tobacco-related diseases.

The think tank, which is due to be established in August, will conduct research to determine if local tobacco makers use additives to make their products more addictive.

“The think tank’s researchers will conduct studies to determine if the products contain any harmful additives…,” an official from the Health Ministry was quoted as saying.

“Any findings that prove the harmful effects of tobacco will be submitted to the court as evidence.”