Research Institute Urged to Refuse Tobacco Money
The American Lung Association is calling on the Scripps Research
Institute to stop accepting funds from tobacco companies, the Palm
Beach Post reported June 18.
"We are excited and pleased about the research that Scripps
does in the area of lung health, but we are dismayed and unhappy
to hear about their long-term relationship with the tobacco industry,"
said Jim Sugarman, executive director of the American Lung Association
of Florida, Southeast Area. "Now is the time to sever ties
with that industry. It would be a powerful statement on their part."
A recent report found that Scripps Research Institute had received
$2.2 million from the industry's Council for Tobacco Research since
1980. In addition, Scripps' president, Richard Lerner, has consulted
for tobacco giant Philip Morris.
Keith McKeown, a spokesman for the institute, said the Scripps'
board would address the American Lung Association's concerns in
September when it meets again.
Doug Bingham, executive vice president and general counsel at the
institute, said the tobacco support has not influenced the research.
"There were never any limitations on publication, otherwise
we wouldn't let it in the door," he said.
|
