Tobacco Industry Influence on Science
Gruning et examined tobacco industry documents to assess how and why the tobacco industry sought to influence
science and scientists in Germany as a possible factor in explaining the German opposition to stricter tobacco
regulation. Smoking and health research programs were organized both separately by individual tobacco companies
and jointly through their German trade organization. An extensive network of scientists and scientific institutions with
tobacco industry links was developed. Science was distorted in 5 ways: suppression, dilution, distraction, concealment,
and manipulation. The extent of tobacco industry influence over the scientific establishment in Germany is profound.
The industry introduced serious bias that probably influenced scientific and public opinion in Germany. This influence
likely undermined efforts to control tobacco use. (Am J Public Health. 2005 Nov 29)
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