Research Funded by Tobacco Companies May Underestimate the Harm of Vaping for Minors

According to The Times, tobacco companies funded a series of studies that downplayed the risks of vaping for teenagers and children, while also supporting public campaigns linked to lobbying interests associated with tobacco manufacturers. These paid studies were used by tobacco companies as one of their arguments against stricter vaping regulations in the UK. The report cited one example involving researcher Peter Lee, whose articles questioned the conclusions of other scientists who believed that vaping increases the likelihood of switching to traditional cigarettes. The newspaper noted that Dr. Peter Lee has worked closely with tobacco companies, and some of his articles were co-authored with employees of Philip Morris International.

In addition, tobacco giants have provided funding to doctors, scientists, and supposedly “independent” advocacy groups that lobby against restrictions on vaping. According to The Times, hundreds of doctors took part in training on quitting smoking by switching to vaping, led by a doctor who had received millions of pounds from Philip Morris International. This was not an isolated case.

Another tobacco company, British American Tobacco, was also actively involved in the creation of the World Vapers’ Alliance, an organization that has engaged in lobbying efforts in support of vaping and also publishes its own magazine. According to The Times, there is also a campaign called Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, which was created with the support of Philip Morris International and received about $400 million in funding to promote smoking cessation through support for vaping.

Experts point out that vaping among children and teenagers in the UK is continuing to worsen. According to one study, in 2023, 20.5% of people under the age of 18 in the UK had tried vaping, compared with 15.8% in 2022 and 13.9% in 2020.