World Scene: Australia

'Simpsons promote smoking'

Long-running US cartoon show The Simpsons may inadvertently promote smoking with its frequent depictions of the habit and references to cigarettes, Australian research has found.

While smoking may be responsible for Krusty the Clown's heart condition and sisters Patty and Selma's raspy voices, the show may promote tobacco use simply by showing it in so many episodes, the research concluded.