A directory of tobacco harm reduction experts for inquiring media
Mass media are in complete denial of the voluminous scientific literature supporting e-cigarettes as harm-reduction products. A recent report on National Public Radio is representative. The host set up the story in classic fashion, pitting “expert” harm reduction naysayers against lay e-cigarette users, store owners and marketers. The argument was settled before it began.
Are the media unable to find tobacco research and policy experts who support e-cigarettes and tobacco harm reduction? Although we are relatively few, we are widely published and highly visible – testifying, editorializing, providing interviews when invited. Independent and articulate authorities on tobacco harm reduction in the United States include:
Carl Phillips from Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives
Michael Siegel at Boston University
Joel Nitzkin at R Street
Gil Ross at the American Council on Science and Health
Jeff Stier at the National Center for Public Policy Research
International experts include:
David Sweanor in Canada
Clive Bates and Christopher Snowdon in the United Kingdom
Karl Fagerström and Lars Ramstöm in Sweden
Karl Erik Lund in Norway
Riccardo Polosa (interviewed here) and Pasquale Caponnetto in Italy
Tobacco harm reduction is a worldwide phenomenon, and it deserves balanced and judicious media coverage. Journalists, start with this list.
