According to a report by Drs. Michael Siegel and N. Jennifer Rosenberg of the Boston University School of Public Health, between 1995 and 1999 tobacco companies sponsored 2,730 events, programs, and organizations in the United States.

A significant amount of the funding was awarded to organizations that work in public health, including such areas as AIDS, domestic-violence prevention, and hunger.

"By making contributions to organizations involved in public-health campaigns, the tobacco companies try to change the public's perception of the fact that they sell products that kill people," said Siegel. "Sponsorships offset the negative public image that they have."

Another concern, said Siegel, is that sponsorships could result in smaller organizations becoming dependent on tobacco funding. This, in turn, could make these groups less likely to speak out against smoking or the tobacco industry for fear of losing money.

The researchers recommended that public-health practitioners keep tabs on tobacco industry funding and "consider promoting a ban on tobacco sponsorship."

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