Bloomberg’s statement is alluding to efforts by his organization to influence laws in myriad countries throughout the world. 39 countries have “comprehensive smoke free laws” in part thanks to efforts funded by Bloomberg, and in 32 countries packs of cigarettes are legally mandated to carry prominent graphic warnings about the scientifically documented dangers of cigarette smoke and tobacco use. 22 countries have also placed bans on tobacco advertising. But Bloomberg obviously thinks there’s a lot left to do, especially in lower-income countries, which his statement says now “are home to 75% of the world’s smokers and where tobacco companies are working harder than ever to find new customers.” A $360 million investment is an effective way to combat smoking, but if Bloomberg’s anti-smoking efforts become too successful, he may have to deal with people picking up the habit out of pity towards to tobacco industry.
