Tobacco: The construction of policies for control of its consumption in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is a country that stands out worldwide in the reduction of smoking due to its effective control policies. By means of a narrative review, the article analyzes the nature of the scientific discussions that underpin these public policies from historical, social, health and economic perspectives. The fact that the measures associated with these issues have been marked by conflicts of interest between the tobacco industry and health organizations is highlighted. Themes related to advertising, harm reduction, tax policies and actions to protect nonsmokers are scrutinized. New stipulations on tobacco advertising are examined and, by comparative analysis, a veto on the advertising of alcoholic beverages in the country is suggested.