Statement of John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO, American Lung Association

Dear Dr. Siegel:

Thank you for bringing the “Abuse” spot to my attention. The spot was produced by an advertising agency for one of our local lung associations who was attempting to increase public awareness about the dangers of second hand smoke. Unfortunately the spot tries to accomplish this objective with a child abuse theme that is both inappropriate and extremely offensive. The spot is disgraceful and it is something that would have never been condoned by the American Lung Association if my office had been aware of it. We have taken immediate action to remove it from You Tube and to halt any further distribution. We extend our profound apologies to everyone for this grievous error.

John L. Kirkwood
President & CEO
American Lung Association
61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Tel: 212-315-8701 Fax: 212-315-8800
www.lungusa.org