Jump to full article: Reuters, 2008-03-03
Intro: Three Finnish women with lung disease are claiming 348,000 euros ($527,900) in damages from two tobacco companies in a case that could set a precedent in Europe.
The women, aged 64, 58 and 52, are suing the Nordic unit of British American Tobacco (BAT) and Finland's Amer, which manufactured cigarettes until 2004 under licence from Altria's Philip Morris.
. . .
The plaintiffs argue they were not aware of the dangers of smoking when they started in their teenage years, and that the tobacco companies hid and publicly denied that cigarettes cause various diseases, including lung cancer.
Two of the women have had lung cancer and all three have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Their lawyers also argue that tobacco companies have since the 1970s marketed light cigarettes as a healthier option. . . .
The hearings are expected to last until May with a decision due later in the year.
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