Investigation: How the tobacco industry has secretly bankrolled vaping
Dec 15, 2023
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Investigation reveals how the tobacco industry has secretly funded vaping, including bankrolling youth vaping research and lobbying the government. Exposes the connections between tobacco companies, vaping advocacy groups, and scientific papers funded by the industry. Discusses tactics used to influence vaping regulations and the current state of government regulation on vaping in the UK.
Tobacco companies have been secretly funding pro-vaping groups and research, raising concerns about the credibility and independence of vaping research and the influence of tobacco companies.
The rising popularity of vaping among young people, fueled by social media and flavored products, has become a major concern, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and public health education.
Deep dives
Tobacco companies secretly funding pro-vaping groups and research
An investigation has revealed that tobacco companies have been secretly funding pro-vaping groups and research. These groups are involved in promoting the use of e-cigarettes, resisting regulations, and lobbying against measures designed to protect children and young people from the risks of vaping. The investigation also found links between tobacco companies and academic papers that downplay the concerns regarding youth vaping and the gateway effect. Additionally, grassroots organizations that defend vaping are found to be funded by tobacco giants, further raising concerns about potential bias and conflicts of interest.
The role of tobacco companies in promoting vaping
Tobacco companies have seen vaping as a lucrative opportunity for revenue as smoking continues to decline. Initially skeptical of e-cigarettes, they have now invested in the industry, launching their own e-cigarette brands. However, their involvement extends beyond product development. Tobacco companies have engaged in secret lobbying campaigns, bankrolled scientific papers to downplay the risks of vaping, and funded supposedly independent foundations that then lobby governments for favorable policies. These activities raise questions about the credibility and independence of vaping research and the influence of tobacco companies.
Debate over the safety of vaping and its appeal to young people
The safety of vaping compared to smoking is still a contentious issue. While it is generally accepted that vaping is safer than smoking, concerns remain about the long-term effects and the addiction risks of nicotine. Of particular concern is the rising popularity of vaping among young people who had never smoked before. In the UK, nearly one in five children under 18 have tried vaping, and there has been a 30% increase in youth vaping in a year. The influence of social media and the promotion of flavored vaping products have contributed to this trend.
The involvement of doctors and academic institutions
Tobacco companies have also established links with doctors and academic institutions. Some doctors have received substantial funding from tobacco companies, such as the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, to promote the use of e-cigarettes and provide smoking cessation training to other doctors. Academic papers funded by tobacco companies have downplayed concerns about youth vaping, raising questions about their independence and potential bias. The tobacco industry's involvement in academic research and health education efforts reveals their ongoing attempts to shape public opinion and policy related to vaping.
A Times investigation has found that tobacco companies have been engaged in a secret lobbying campaign to try and boost their e cigarette sales. They've bankrolled scientific papers playing down the risks of youth vaping and funded so-called independent foundations, which then try and lobby the government. How has this gone unchecked?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.
Guest: Billy Kenber, Senior Investigations Reporter, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: TikTok/studentbeams, TikTok/hellocallum, BBC News, C-SPAN.