A U.S. Virgin Islands woman in her late 60s has filed suit against three of the nation’s largest tobacco companies and local retailers, alleging that lifelong exposure to cigarette smoke led to breast cancer, a stroke, and ongoing health problems.

The complaint, filed Monday by the Pate Law Firm on behalf of Riise Richards, accuses Philip Morris USA, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company of fraud, misrepresentation and conspiracy. Local wholesalers Island Saints and retailers United Corporation (Plaza Extra) and KAC357 (Pueblo Supermarkets, Cost-U-Less) are also named as defendants.

According to the 88-page filing, Richards “grew up constantly surrounded by cigarette smoke” from “family members, friends, teachers, mentors, neighbors,” and others. The suit argues that this exposure “created in her as an early child a psychological pre-addiction to cigarette smoke, along with embedding cigarette smoke toxins into her body at a young and developing age.”

Richards began smoking at 14. By 16, she was consuming half a pack a day, and by 22, more than two packs daily. She later married a cigarette smoker.

The complaint alleges that even as public awareness of smoking’s dangers grew, tobacco companies promoted the habit through advertising campaigns portraying cigarettes as “safe and enjoyable.” Richards tried to quit in the 2000s but was only successful in 2006, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Although she did not know it at the time — and tobacco companies hid and denied the association — cigarette smoke substantially increases the risk of a woman developing breast cancer,” the filing states.

Her smoking history was also cited as a “substantial contributing factor” in a stroke she suffered earlier this year. The lawsuit claims that her health problems are likely to persist.

The filing seeks a jury trial, with compensatory, consequential and punitive damages, as well as damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.