Anti-tobacco ads about secondhand smoke false: prof.
Stefanie Tuder
Issue date: 11/26/07 Section: News
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A Boston University professor has come up with some controversial results unfavorable to anti-smoking campaigns after analyzing the effects of secondhand smoke on non-smokers' health.
Michael Siegel, a School of Public Health social and behavioral sciences professor, said he used scientific evidence in his October 2007 study to counter anti-smoking groups' claims that just one 30-minute exposure to secondhand smoke could cause severe or fatal heart episodes in a healthy non-smoker.
"It seemed to me that these were absurd claims," Siegel said. "How can [you], if you're perfectly healthy, walk into a bar for 30 minutes and drop dead from a heart attack?"
Siegel said he decided to uncover the exact facts on the health effects of secondhand smoke, and his study has received attention in light of legislation regarding smoking bans, including potential bans on college campuses.
Siegel's evidence suggests although a 30-minute exposure to secondhand smoke affects the heart by causing damage to cell linings and arteries, the adverse effects are only temporary.
"What the literature reveals is that chronic exposure to secondhand smoke over many years does cause hardening of the arteries and heart disease, but it's not going to happen from a single 30-minute exposure - yet those are the exact claims that many anti-smoking groups are making on their websites," he said.
The anti-smoking campaign "truth" claims on its website that in the United States, "50,000 people die from secondhand smoke-related diseases" each year. Although this may be true, some other more immediate effects of secondhand smoke are not completely accurate, Siegel said.
Earlier this year, Siegel challenged a Harvard School of Public Health study that stated some tobacco companies had been increasing their cigarettes' nicotine levels since 1997.
Siegel, who has worked with anti-smoking groups, said he decided to speak out on the issue to help preserve the groups' integrity and ensure they make valid claims.
Michael Siegel, a School of Public Health social and behavioral sciences professor, said he used scientific evidence in his October 2007 study to counter anti-smoking groups' claims that just one 30-minute exposure to secondhand smoke could cause severe or fatal heart episodes in a healthy non-smoker.
"It seemed to me that these were absurd claims," Siegel said. "How can [you], if you're perfectly healthy, walk into a bar for 30 minutes and drop dead from a heart attack?"
Siegel said he decided to uncover the exact facts on the health effects of secondhand smoke, and his study has received attention in light of legislation regarding smoking bans, including potential bans on college campuses.
Siegel's evidence suggests although a 30-minute exposure to secondhand smoke affects the heart by causing damage to cell linings and arteries, the adverse effects are only temporary.
"What the literature reveals is that chronic exposure to secondhand smoke over many years does cause hardening of the arteries and heart disease, but it's not going to happen from a single 30-minute exposure - yet those are the exact claims that many anti-smoking groups are making on their websites," he said.
The anti-smoking campaign "truth" claims on its website that in the United States, "50,000 people die from secondhand smoke-related diseases" each year. Although this may be true, some other more immediate effects of secondhand smoke are not completely accurate, Siegel said.
Earlier this year, Siegel challenged a Harvard School of Public Health study that stated some tobacco companies had been increasing their cigarettes' nicotine levels since 1997.
Siegel, who has worked with anti-smoking groups, said he decided to speak out on the issue to help preserve the groups' integrity and ensure they make valid claims.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 9
Phil
posted 11/26/07 @ 9:37 AM EST
Michael Siegel has been doing and saying some strange things lately. He is now associating himself with some fairly controversial "smoker's rights" advocates like Michael McFadden, author of Dissecting Antismokers' Brains. (Continued…)
CarlD
Carl
posted 11/26/07 @ 6:38 PM EST
DispDr. Siegel had a contentious falling out with his anti-tobacco colleagues 3 years ago and has since embarked on an elaborate campaign to smear his former colleagues. (Continued…)
Olivia
posted 11/26/07 @ 6:51 PM EST
It is pretty stange that Dr. Siegel is outing junk science, since he's got plenty of his own. Perhaps he's alarmed at the direction his movement is taking. (Continued…)
Ann Bartlett
posted 11/26/07 @ 9:14 PM EST
I applaud Dr. Seigel's comments. As a never smoker I have an extremely hard time understanding the absolute hatred I encouter against those that do smoke. (Continued…)
Bill Hannegan
posted 11/26/07 @ 11:19 PM EST
Dr. Siegel might even be wrong himself about longterm chronic ETS exposure.
The longest-running and highest-quality secondhand smoke study ever done, completed too late (2003) to be included in Surgeon General Carmona's report, found no link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer or heart disease. (Continued…)
MaldenMan
posted 11/26/07 @ 11:34 PM EST
As with most nobel causes, the concept that the ends justify the means have replaced honesty and integrity. Moralism and activists have replaced science and researchers. (Continued…)
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