Tobacco ‘whistle blower’ to speak at NSU

One of the first “whistle blowers” to uncover the tobacco industry’s attempt to protect smoking’s dangerous effects is slated to speak Saturday at Nicholls State University’s Talbot Theatre.

Dr. Victor DeNoble, a former tobacco industry scientist for Phillip Morris, will discuss the harmful effects of smoking. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.

Phillip Morris initially hired DeNoble to develop a “safer cigarette.” However, while he was employed with the company, the researcher became alarmed when he began exploring the addictive nature of nicotine.

DeNoble wrankled the smoking industry in 1984 when Phillip Morris company executives discovered the work he’d been doing on the side and terminated him. The company also seized his lab.

DeNoble emerged as a national figure in the mid-1990s when he assisted the federal government’s investigation of the tobacco industry.

The scientist’s story was the inspiration for the movie “The Insider,” which starred Russell Crowe.

DeNoble will detail his personal involvement in uncovering the tobacco industry’s secrets and discuss his nicotine research, the addictive nature of nicotine and the newest treatments for nicotine addition, said Jill Robichaux, who is an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for South Louisiana (ADAC) program coordinator.

“It took a lot to get (DeNoble) here,” she said. “But he’s been more than accommodating about speaking, especially to the youth.”

With a grant through Tobacco-Free Living, Robichaux said ADAC, Nicholls State University, DEFY Youth Group and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living are able to bring DeNoble to Thibodaux.

“I know one person who saw Dr. DeNoble’s presentation and he swears (the scientist) is amazing,” said Felecia Dumont, a liaison through a grant with Tobacco Control. “He uses a monkey brain when he talks about the effects of tobacco – what it does to your body and health.”

Robichaux said DeNoble’s presentation will be followed with a question-and-answer session.

Also, raffles will be held for a digital camera (for youth) and a 52-can rolling cooler (for adults). To register, attendees must complete a survey, Robichaux said.

For more information about ADAC, call (985) 879-2273.