Health Risks of Cigarette Filters and Tows

Whereas Eastman Chemical is a major producer of cellulose acetate tow, which is used in the manufacture of cigarette filters:
-During smoking, cigarette filter fibers become coated with carcinogen-laden deposits from cigarette smoke;
-Also cellulose acetate cigarette filter fibers can dislodge from cigarettes and become transported into the lungs of consumers;
-Scientists at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute have demonstrated the presence of cigarette filter fibers like the ones this company manufactures in the lungs of smokers;
-These scientists have hypothesized that such fibers in the lungs of smokers might serve as reservoirs for carcinogens over a long period of time. This suggests that cellulose acetate filters may contribute to diseases caused by cigarettes in smokers;
-If cellulose acetate filters contribute to cigarette-caused disease, Eastman Chemical may be liable for injuries to smokers as the tobacco litigation net gets thrown wider and wider.
-The importance of studying the health impact of Eastman Chemical's cigarette filters is highlighted by a recent federal appeals court decision supporting a Massachusetts State law requiring tobacco companies to disclose the ingredients in their products. The law requires tobacco companies to submit lists and amounts of substances added so that they can be studied and the public warned about additional health risks.

Resolved: That shareholders request that management conduct a study examining possible health risks posed by our filter tows among consumers who smoke cigarettes with cellulose acetate filters. This study shall include a review of all information known or available to the company on this subject but need not involve any new primary research. The study and any recommendations that emerge from it are to be completed within one year of the 2002 Annual Meeting. Copies of the complete report shall be made available to requesting shareholders.

Supporting Statement
Cigarette smoke contains dozens of potent carcinogens. Cellulose acetate fibers that are supposed to trap these poisons can themselves be transported into the lungs, laden with these dangerous substances. We believe this resolution and the study it requests are in the best interests of consumers as well as in the interests of our company and shareholders.

Certainly it is in our interest as management and investors to be fully informed about any and all health risks to smokers to which Eastman Chemical contributes. We need to know, for example, if our products are deemed to contribute to cancer or if we may be faced with legal and financial liabilities. It is only fair to consumers as well that they are fully aware of all of the dangers of smoking.

If you believe that Eastman Chemical and its shareholders should be fully apprised as to whether the cellulose acetate tow the company sells to the cigarette manufacturers is contributing to the various illnesses caused by cigarettes, please vote YES in support of this resolution.

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