RJ Reynolds
Industry-Funded Research and Conflict Fo Interest: An Analysis of Research Sponsored by the Tobacco Industry Through the Center for Indoor Air Research.
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518 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law
before funding. The primary purpose of special projects, according to
tobacco industry lawyers, was to develop scientific data that could be
used to defend tobacco companies against litigation (Saroldn 1988; Bero
et al. 1995). In addition, the special projects allowed the industry to cul-.
tivate relationships with scientists who could later be called on to testify .
on the industry's behalf (Bero et al. 1995). The Council for Tobacco
Research's special projects were often designed specifically to divert
attention from tobacco as a cause of disease (Bero et a1.1995). For exam-
ple, studies were funded to show that poor nutrition, occupation, or
genetic predisposition could cause the same diseases attributed to smok-
ing. In addition, the study designs of the special projects were sometimes
altered so they would be more likely to produce results that would sup-
port the tobacco industry position (Bero et al. 1995).
Given general evidence suggesting that industry sponsorship can influ-
ence the results or conclusions of sponsored research and specific evi-
dence of previous efforts by the tobacco industry to control the direction
of the research it funds, we hypothesized that research funded by CIAR
might be affected by conflict of interest. The tobacco industry argues that
exposure to ETS is too minimal to cause any real damage, and that epi-
demiologic studies of passive smoking are flawed and do not prove that
ETS is harmful (Tobacco Institute 1986). The industry has an obvious
interest in producing scientific data to support these arguments, because
policy makers and juries would be more likely to accept them if they
were based on hard data. In fact, a confidential report prepared by the
Roper Organization (1978: A7) for the Tobacco Institute noted that the
industry's best strategy for countering public concern about passive
smoking was to fund scienti8c research. The report stated: "The strate-
gic and long run antidote to the passive smoking issue is, as we see it,
developing and widely publicizing clear-cut, credible, medical evidence
that passive smoking is not harmful to the non-smoker's health"
Thus the purpose of our study was to analyze the content, quality, and
use of research funded by CIAR to determine whether it is funding truly
independent research or whether it is financing studies that appear to be
motivated by tobacco industry interests. We hypothesized that, although
CIAR claims to be objective and independent, the tobacco industry might
smoking has not been provedd harmful to health.
be funding research through CIAR to support its position that passive

522 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law
0
studied an aspect of tobacco, tobacco smoke, or a tobacco-specific sub-
stance such as nicotine; or as non-ETS related if it studied general indoor
ai= quality and did not specifically mention tobacco.
Then we subclassified the topics of the projects into the categories of
health effects, exposure, or other. A health effects study evaluated the
effects of exposure to a substance, including studies conducted in cells,
animals, or humans. An exposure study measured exposure to a sub-
stance but did not evaluate the effects of that exposure; these included
studies of exposure markers sucb as cotinine (a nicotine metabolite).
Studies that did not evaluate either health effects or exposure were clas-
sified in the other category. One project, for example, studied whether
tobacco smoke is perceived primarily through sight or smell.
Table I summarizes our findings on the topics of projects funded by
CIAR. Almost two-thirds of CIAR's special-reviewed projects were
related to ETS, compared with 30 percent of its peer-reviewed projects.
In addition, most special-reviewed projects studied exposure, rather than
health effects. Thesefindings suggest that research related to ETS, par-
ticularly exposure research, is a high priority for the tobacco industry
executives who select CIAR's special-reviewed projects. One of the
tobacco industry's main arguments regarding passive smoking is that per-
sons are not exposed to sufficient levels of ETS to cause any serious dam-
age (Tobacco Institute 1986). It is therefore possible that the tobacco
industry is funding research through CIAR's special-reviewed projects to
develop data it can use to support this claim. In addition, from a legal per-
spective, a study measuring exposure to ETS would be much less dam-
aging to the industry than one showing that EfS causes disease; thus it is
"safer" for the industry to sponsor exposure research.
We also examined the affiliations of CIAR-funded principal investiga-
tors (PIs). Based on the information provided by CIAR, we coded the
affiliation of each PI as either academic, private sector, or other. They
were classified as academic if their stated affiliation was a university or
college and as private sector if they were affiliated with a private-sector
business, consulting firm, or contracting agency. All other affiliations
were classified as other. None of the PIs had more than one affiliation
listed.
Table 2 summarizes our findings regarding the affiliations of CIAR-
funded PIs. Nearly all of the PIspn peer-reviewed projects had academic
affiliations, whereas almost 40 percent of the PIs on special-reviewed
projects were affiliated with private-sector organizations. Two special-
reviewed projects were awarded to the president of Healthy Buildings
®
W
s.

®
532 'Journal of Health Politics, Policy end Law.
®
can use to influence policy. The motivation behind CIAR's peer-reviewed
projects is less clear. It is possible-that the industry is using them to
deflect attention away from ETS as an indoor air pollutant, because most
of them are -not related to ETS: . In addition, it is possible 'that peer-
reviewed projects are being funded to gain good publicity and improve
the industry's credibility.
Influencing Policy
Our analysis of the use of CIAR-funded research suggests that the
tobacco industry is using CIAR to develop scientific data it can cite in
legislative settings to influence policy related to ETS. For example, data
from two of CIAR's special-reviewed projects were presented at OSHA
hearings on its proposed indoor. airi quality standard, and data from a
third special-reviewed project were presented at a congressional hearing
related to the proposed ban on smoking on commercial aircraft. In all
three cases, these data'were used to s~pport the tobacco industry position
that smoking.should not be regulate4.
Although the tobacco industry applears to be funding research through
CIAR's special-reviewed projects i an attempt to influence policy on
ETS, the impact of this strategy ma~ be minimized by the lack of peer
review associated with these projects. For example, the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory study shows hQw lack of peer review appears to
have led to a poor study design with al high potential for bias. Participants
were selected for the study by a marf eting research firm with ties to the
industry, and laboratory tests were c~nducted by scientists employed by
R. J. Reynolds. Given these sorts of c~mpromises in study design, policy
makers may be unwilling to accept the conclusions of the study, which
support the tobacco indust ry position that workplace smoking should not
be regulated.
In addition, the congressional su~ ommittee report on the HBI study
suggests that data from one of CYARRrs special-reviewed projects appear
to have been dramatically altered. It }s not clear from the subcommittee
report whether HBI acted independently or with the approval of its
tobacco-industry sponsors. However~' it is likely that policy makers will
examine testimony and research resuQts presented by HBI with a partic-
ularly critical eye in the future Is
r4

Industry-Funded Research and
Conflict of Interest: An Analysis of
Research Sponsored by the Tobacco
Industry through the Center for
Indoor Air Research
Deborah E. Barrrnes and Lisa A. Bero
University of California, San Francisco
Abstract The Center for Indoor Air Research (CIAR) was created by three
United States tobacco companies itt 1988. Its stated mission is to fund high-quality,
objective research related to indoor air, including studies of environmental tobacco
smoke (ETS). Because CIAR is financed by the tobacco industry and funds research
related to tobacco, it fosters an inherent conflict of interest. We consider whether this
conflict of interest has affected the content, quality, or use of research funded by
CIAR. We hypothesize that the tobacco industry might be using CL4R to develop sci-
entific data to support its position that ETS is not harmful to health. CIAR funds two
types of projects: "Peer-reviewed" projects are awarded after peer review by a group
of scientists, whereas "special-reviewed" projects are awarded directly by tobacco
industry executives. CIAR's special-reviewed projects are more likely than its peer-
reviewed projects to be related to ETS, to support the tobacco industry position, and
to be used by the industry to argue tbat smoking should not be regulated in public
places. Our findings suggest that the tobacco industry is funding special-reviewed
projects through CIAR to develop scientific data that it can use in legislative and legal
settings. The industry may be financing peer-reviewed projects through CIAR to
enhance its credibility, to provide good publiciry, and to divert attention from ETS as
an indoor air pollutant. CIAR's stated mission of funding high-quality, objective
research has been compromised by conflict of interest, and at least some of CIAR's
projects are being used to promote the tobacco industry's agenda.
'this study was fundedghrough the Cigarette and Tobacco Surtax Fund of the State of Califor-
nia through the TbbaocR-Related Disease Research Progntm of the University of California
(awards 2KT0078 and 4RT0035). We thank all of our friends and cotlea;uea at the Institute for
Health Policy Studies who provided Invaluable insight as we prepared this article. Presented in
pan at the American Public Health Association meeting in Washinatoa. DC, 2 October 1994.
JournaJ offfealrh Politics. Policy anQ law. Vol. 21. No. 3, Fall 1996. Copyright O 1996 by Duke
University Prees.

:l
542 Joumal of Health Politics, Policy and law.
White, L. G'.'n.d. Ethical Coruideroti,oru of Accepting Financial Support from the
Tobacco lnduatry.. New York: American Council on Science and Health.
Witt, M. D., and L: O. Gostin. 1994. Conflict of Interest Dilemmas in Biomedical
Research:'Journal of the Americon Medical Asaociation 271(7):547-551.
Wolinsky, H. 1985. When Researchers Accept Funding from the Tobacco Industry,
Do Ethics Go up in Smoke? New York State Journal of Medicine 85(7):451-455.
®

520 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law
group of individuals with reputations for expertise and scientific lead-
ership in the disciplines relevant to indoor air research. ... After the
SAB establishes the research agenda, the Center announces to "the sci-
entific community at large that research applications in response to the
agenda are being accepted. The review of proposals and their selection
for funding is accomplished in a scientifically rigorous and objective
manner. Applications are reviewed first for scientific quality by the
applicant's peers selected from the group listed in Appendix B [of the
RFA). The SAB, in turn, reviews the applications and peer evalua-
tions, and develops recommendations on the selection of applieations-
Studies recommended by the SAB are subject to final approval by the
Board of Directors. (Center for Indoor Air Research 1994: 3)
The RFAs also state that investigators funded by CIAR are encouraged
to publish their findings in the peer-reviewed literature (Center for Indoor
Air Research 1994). CIAR's review process is similar to the grant-
approval processes used by many foundations, although all of CIAR's
projects are funded as contracts rather than as grants.
Although CiAR's publications state that its projects are funded
through the peer-review process previously-described, we found that some
projects receive a special-review process. CIAR publishes a brochure that
lists the projects it has funded to date (Center for Indoor Air Research
1992b). They are classified as "research," "applied;' or "other;" but the
differences ecrtbparr ries are not explained. Through inter-
views with staff members e were informed that research proj-
ects tion n c investigations funded through the peer-
iew process described in CIAR's publications; applied and other
projects are more goal-oriented studies by the board of
directors without receiving peer revie (Marquardt 1993 ). ' s we noted,
CIAR's board of directors consists pn atives of the
charter tobacco companies. None of CIAR's publications mention that
some of its projects are awarded through a special-review process.
We tried to confirm the information about CIAR!s special-review
process by writing a letter to the executive director of CIAR, Max Eisen-
berg. We explained in detail our understanding of the special-review
process used for applied and other projects and asked for confirmation or
clarification of the process. In response, we received only a note stating
"For your information;' along with a packet of CIAR's informational
brochures.. However, one recipient of an applied project, Roger A. Jenk-
ins (1995), of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, testified at length regard-
ing
ing
app
leal
R.]
fort
wh.
CIy
I
pro
Co
lec
to ,
inf-
Re
pef
fro
l
CI,
mc
try
usE
pul
Co
Wi
wr
ulz
re:
E1
tbl
de
uK

e to envirotunen-
rsons who do not
:ause lung cancer
!ase (Glantz and
"eases the risk for
) and various res-
rotection Agency
harmful effects of
e National Acad-
xal (U.S. Depart-
)2, the U.S. Envi-
-i Group A human
92). The growing
is led to increased
ionsmokers from
:wed journal con-
:d [indoors) with
?). This study was
avhich was created
nission is to fund
icluding studies of
~ that CIAR is an
: that CIAR's proj-
.ve manner" based
and that this peer
rch. . . is recom-
1994: 3).
ctly related to its
nay influence the
.991; Blank 1992;
In particular, the
nvestigator to pro-
). For example, the
. study design that
zsor could encour-
ie final publication
-stigators may feel
i findings that are
:illman et al. 1991).
Barnes and Bero industry-Funded Research 517
In particular, investigators may fear that future funding will be denied if
they publish unfavorable data (Hillman et al. 1991).
Several studies on the effects of industry sponsorship indicate that
these concerns about conflict of interest are justified. One showed thai
research funded by the chemical industry is more likely than govem-
ment-funded research to conclude that occupational exposure to cbemi-
cal agents is not harmful (Swaen and Meijers 1988). Another study found
that research sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry is more likely
than research funded through other sources to favor the new drug being
evaluated (Davidson 1986). Similarly, a third study showed that research
sponsored by pharmaceutical companies almost always concludes that
the sponsor's drug is equivalent or superior to comparison drugs, even
when the data do not completely support this conclusion (Rochon et al.
1994). These studies provide compelling evidence that industry funding
may influence the type of research condueted and the conclusions drawn
from the data.
History has also shown that, when scientific findings are particularly
damaging, industry may try to conceal, manipulate, or deny the findings.
The asbestos industry, for example, funded external contract research on
the health effects of asbestos from the 1930s to the 1950s (Lilienfeld
1991). According to internal memos, these studies suggested that expo-
sure to asbestos could cause asbestosis and lung cancer. However, the
study results were suppressed, and the industry denied that asbestos was
hazardous to health (Lilienfeld 1991). Similarly, the lead industry has
denied or minimized evidence suggesting that lead in paint is a common
cause of disease in children (Rabin 1989).
The tobacco industry has a history of financing scientific research that
it claims is independent but is actually designed to fulfill the industry's
needs (Bero et al. 1995). In 1954, U.S. tobacco companies created the
Tobacco Industry Research Committee, which was later renamed the
Council for Tobacco Research-U.S.A., Inc. The industry stated publicly
that the council's purpose was to fund independent scientific research on
the health effects of smoking and that, to ensure the'objecdvity of the
research, projects would be selected based on peer review by an inde-
pendent science advisory board (Council for Tobacco Research 1992).
However, internal tobacco industry.documents reveal the existence of a
"special projects" division within the Council for Tobacco Research
(Freedman and Cohen 1993; Bero et al. 1995). Special projects were
funded based on the recommendations of tobacco industry lawyers,
rather than the science advisory board, and were not peer reviewed

.rd some members
r their projects.
quality of research
: the quality of the
the proposals sub-
ity of publications
'unded research by
urent Contents for
ided two lists that
I resulted from its
, 1993c). Ten more
ng were identified
a total of seventy-
ticles (15 percent)
'alifornia, Califor-
ore were not avail-
I five of these arti-
stitutional reports,
3 percent), both of
:hored by a PI on a
92). Therefore we
ilted from CIAR-
next section.
sociated with pub-
ms have been asso-
shed data; Rochon
a (Bero et al. 1992)
.larly, articles pub-
iiewed, have been
; (Bero et al. 1992,
nerally have been
.viewers (Chalmers
based on industry-
ts (Davidson 1986;
al. 1994; Cho and
Barnes and Bero lndustry-Funded Research 525
To assess factors associated with publication quality, we coded the
peer-review status, type of publication, and source(s) of funding acknowl-
edged for the articles that resulted from CIAR-funded projects.. An article
was coded as peer reviewed if the journal in which it bad been published
stated it was peer reviewed, published a list of reviewers, or required man-
uscripts to be submitted for review before publication; otherwise, it was
coded as non-peer reviewed. Type of publication was coded as symposium
article, original research article, review, or other based on how the article
was described in the table of contents. All articles published in symposia
were classified as symposium articles, regardless of whether they were
original research articles or reviews. Source(s) of funding acknowledged
were coded as tobacco if the stated sponsor(s) was a tobacco company, the
Tobacco Institute, CIAR, or the Council for Tobacco Research; as multi-
ple if both CIAR and a nontobacco source of funding were acknowledged;
as other if an organization other than CIAR was acknowledged; and as
none if no source of funding was acknowledged.
We also evaluated the conclu'sions.of the articles to determine whether
those resulting from CIAR-funded research tend to support the tobacc
industry position that ETS is not harmful to health. An article was clas
sified as pro-industry if it concluded that there is no evidence that ETS
is associated with adverse health effects, that the evidence is inconclu-
sive, that confounding variables are responsible for health effects attrib-
uted to ETS, that studies on ETS are.statistically flawed, or that the level
of exposure to ETS is not high enough to cause health problems. In addi-
tion, articles that made policy recorrimendations consistent with tobacco
industry proposals, such as accommodating both smokers and nonsmok-
ers in restaurants or workplaces, were classified as pro-industry. An arti-
cle was considered neutral if it did not discuss the health effects of ETS.
An article was considered anti-industry if it concluded that ETS is asso-
ciated with adverse health effects or if it made policy recommendations
consistent with tobacco-control efforts. These categories have been used
previously (Bero and Glantz 1993; Bero et al. 1994) and are based on the
written statements of the tobacco industry (Tobacco Institute 1986).
High-quality publications were considered those that were published in
peer-reviewed journals, those that presented original research findings
and had not been published in symposia, and those that acknowledged a
source of funding other than the tobacco industry. We used the chi-square
statistic to test the hypothesis that articles resulting from peer-reviewed
projects would be more likely than articles resulting from special-
reviewed projects to be associated with these high-quality characteristics.

.rtise and scientific lead-
research. . . . After the
ter announces to the sci-
ations in response to the
osals and their selection
, rigorous and objective
;cientific quality by the
d in Appendix B [of the
rtions and peer evalua-
election of applications.
to final approval by the
search 1994: 3)
y CIAR are encouraged
ature (Center for Indoor
s similar to the grant-
although all of CIAR's
ants.
:s projects are funded
bed, we found that some
ublishes a brochure that
or Indoor Air Research
ied;' or "other;" but the
plained. Through inter-
med that research proj-
ided through the peer-
)ns: applied and other
firectly by the board of
rdt 1993). As we noted,
' representatives of the
blications mention that
31-review process.
CIAR's special-review
)r of CIAIZ, Max Eisen-
of of the special-review
ked for confirmation or
ived only a note stating
' CIAR's informational
project, Roger A. Jenk-
stified at length regard-
i
Barnes and Bero Industry-Funded Research 52t
ing the funding process used for his project. He stated that CIAR had
approached him with a proposal for the project, and that be and his col-
leagues had developed the study methodology with input from CIAR,
R. J. Reynolds, and Bellomy Research (a marketing research firm). There-
, fore, we believe that the information we received by telephone interview,............-.........
which characterized applied and other projects as being awarded by
CIAR's board of directors without undergoing peer review, was accurate.
Because CIAR's applied and other projects receive a special-review
process, and because we hypothesized that they might be similar to the
Council for Tobacco Research's special projects, we refer to them col-
lectively as "special-reviewed" projects throughout this article. We refer
to CIAR's "research" projects as "peer-reviewed" projects. Based on
information in CIAR's tax forms, which we obtained from the Internal
Revenue Servim, we determined that CIAR awarded $11,209,388 for
peer-reviewed projects and $4,022,723 for special-reviewed projects
from 1989 to 1993.1
,
For our analysis of the content, quality, and use of research funded by
CIAR, we hypothesized that CIAR's special-reviewed projects would be
more likely than its peer-reviewed projects to, support the tobacco indus-
try position, and that the results of special-reviewed studies would be
used by the tobacco industry to lobby against regulation of smoking in
public places.
Content of Research Funded by CIAR .
We conducted a content analysis of CIAR-funded research to determine
what projects and which investigators are being funded. We were partic-
ularly interested in determining what percentage of CIAR-funded
research is related to ETS. As we noted previously, research related to
ETS has a high potential for being biased. by con8ict of interest, because
the tobacco industry could use the results in legal and legislative settings.
CIAR provided information regarding projects it had funded from Jan-
uary 1988 to October 1993, including the title of each project, the name
and affiliation of each principal investigator, the date the project was
originally funded, and a one-paragraph description of the purpose of the
project (Center for Indoor Air Research 1992b, 1993a). Based on the
description, we classified the topic of each project as ETS related if it
i. Figures do not include awards made in 199o beanse tax forms were oot avallabe from
the Internal Revenue Service.

research to argue
tobacco industry
istry continue to
;ree that the case
iewed projects to
ipecial-reviewed
i has little to lose
ise most of them
directly affect its
:urs because the
dly sound, unbi-
:ss of how those
,ther hand, has a
is best spent on
can overtly or
in various ways
d Gostin 1994).
t it believes will
consciously or
eir findings in a
gators who rely
ible to industry
I be imposed to
.1 (Hillman et al.
hren (1994) has
ded through an
is try and inves-
unded research
:, which should
entific freedom
indings.
tprofit corpora-
nd the tobacco
Barnes and Bero ' IndustryFunded Research 535
industry. In addition, all of CIAR's projects are funded through contracts,
rather than grants, and CIAR's RFAs explicitly state that funded investi-
gators are encouraged to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
CIAR has also taken additional steps to mini*niie the role of its sponsors
in the funding process. In particular, it has given the primary responsi-
bility of project selection to an independent group of scientists who serve
on its science advisory board. Our analysis suggests that the projects
funded through peer review by the advisory board are of high quality and
have not been unduly influenced by conflict of interest.
However, our analysis also suggests that Chren's proposal does not
necessarily minimize conflict of interest in industry-sponsored research.
In particular, we found that the tobacco industry developed a system for
circumventing CIAR's peer-review process to fund projects that would
serve its needs. The studies funded through CIAR's special-reviewed
projects appear to be those that had the highest potential to produce data
that could be either harmful or beneficial to the industry, because most of
them were related to ETS. It seems likely that the tobacco industry
funded these studies through its special-review process to retain control
of selection of the principal investigators and study design. If other
industries were to create organizations similar to CIAR for funding
external research, it seems possible that they might be similarly tempted
to fund particularly sensitive studies through a special process.
implications for Disclosure
Our study raises several important issues'related to disclosure. None of
CIAR's publications disclosed that one-third of its projects are funded
through a special-review process. In fact, CIAR's most recent publication
of supported research no longer separates its projects into the categories
of research, applied, and other (Center for Indoor Air.Research 1995). If
we had received this new brochure, we probably would not have thought
to ask whether all of CIAR's projects are funded based on the peer-
review process described in its publications. CIAR should clearly
describe the funding process for its special-reviewed projects in all of its
publications. In addition, special-reviewed projects should be clearly
labeled in its publications to indicate that they were selected by tobacco
industry executives rather than through a process of peer review.
Similar disclosure statements should be made in all publications
resulting from CIA.R-funded research. Journal editors and policy makers
have increasingly called for researchers to.disclose any potential conflicts
9024/031

534 Joumal of H i
In addition, the ind
that "more rese4
memo stated, "It
spend their dolla
against smoking i :
The tobacco in
enhance CIAR's
projects will be m
by funding peer-r
are not related to
il
Implications for
Whenever an indu
business, a confli
researcher has a r
ased research and
findings might aff
responsibility to
research that prod
As many auth
covertly influence
(Hillman et ai.:19
Industry may be ~
produce desirable
unconsciously des
way that is likely t
heavily on indust
pressure (Hillman
Several authors
minimize the pote
1991; Blank 1992;
proposed that ind
independent third
tigators. In additio
should be awarde
specifically state
regarding study de
CIAR fulfills th
tion that acts as a
Ith Potitics, Policy and Law
. try often uses the fact that it funds research to argue
is needed:' For example, a 1978 tobacco industry
extremely important that the industry continue to
n research to:ahow that we don't agree that the case
losed" (Bloch 1994).
try may`be using CIAR's peer-reviewed projects to
dibility, ao that the results of its special-reviewed
likely to be accepted. The industry has little to lose
ewed projects through CIAR, because most of them
S.
[I ustry Funding In General
y funds scientific research that will directly affect its
of interest arises. This conflict occurs because the
" nsibility to conduct methodologically sound, unbi-
~
disseminate the findings, regardless of bow those
the industry. The industry, on the other hand, has a
ximize its profits, and its money is best spent on
favorable data.
~have noted, industry sponsorship can overtly or
~ conduct and publication of research in various ways
; Blank 1992; Chren 1994; Witt and Gostin 1994).
e likely to fund research studies that it believes will
ata. In addition, investigators may consciously or
i their research studies or present their findings in a
e favorabld-to their sponsors. Investigators who rely
unding may be particularly susceptible to industry
al. 1991).
ve suggested that guidelines should be ioposed -to
~
for bias. in industry-funded research (Hillman et al.
~ren 1994; %'jtt and Gostin 1994). Chren (1994) has
Iry-funded research should be awarded through an
ty to- irI ize contact between industry and inves-
Chren suggested that all industry-funded research
t ngh contracts, rather than grants, which should
investig$tors will retain complete scientific freedom
Fn, data "ysis, and publication of findings.
iteria proposed by Chren. It is a nonprofit corpora-
*rmediary between investigators and the tobacco
9

®
i
528 Journal of Health Politia, Pot'rty and larr
We examined these sources to identify CIAR-funded researchers who
bad either testified orally or submitted written statements. When avail-
able, we read both written statements and transcripts of oral testimony to
determine whether they discussed CIAR-funded research, whether the
researcher's relationship with the .tobacco industry was disclosed, and
whether the testimony supported the. tobacco industry position on ETS
(as we previously defined for concliisions of articles).
We found that 28 percent (five of eighteen) of PIs on special-reviewed
projects had submitted statements related to ETS, compared with 3 per-
cent (one of thirty-four) of PIs on peer-reviewed projects (Fisher's exact
test, p=.0154). One PI on :a special-reviewed project had testified on five
separate occasions, whereas all others had testified only once.
All of the statements submitted by CIAR-funded PIs supported the
tobacco industry position that ETS is not harmful to health. The PI who
had testified five times consistently argued that smoking can be accom-
modated indoors through adequate ventilation; two PIs argued that evi-
dence is insufficient to conclude that ETS causes disease; one maintained
that there is a lack of biological plausibility to conclude that ETS is
harmful, and that confounding variables could explain the statistical
association between ETS and disease;:one argued that ETS is not a major
cause of sick building syndrome and poor air quality; and one argued that
workplace exposure to ETS is very low (implying that the exposure is too
minimal to cause disease). f :
Data from at least three oif CIAR's special-reviewed projects have been
presented at hearings related.to ETS. Two special-reviewed projects
were discussed at OSHA'si hearings tegarding its proposed indoor air
quality standard, which recommends restricting or banning smoking in
workplaces nationwide, whereas the third was discussed at hearings
related to banning smoking on comttiercial airline flights. In all three
cases, the data from CIAR's' special-reViewed projects were used to sup-
port the tobacco industry position.
One of the OSHA statements was submitted by Roger A. Jenkins, who
discussed preliminary data from 'a special-reviewed project entitled
"Determination of Human ExpQsure to, Environmental Tobacco Smoke"
According to CIAR's tax records, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
received $797,892 in 1993 to conduct this study. Jenkins disclosed in his
statement-that the project had- been fuailed by CIAR; however, be stated
orally that he was not appearing as awadvocate for or against OSHA's
proposed standard, but "as a:scientist that's been conducting a study and
Qoi7/osi

a tobacco-specific sub-
:studied general indoor
:o.
s into the categories of
Is study evaluated the
iies conducted in cells,
ed exposure to a sub-
posure; these included
i nicotine metabolite).
or exposure were clas-
mple, studied whether
ht or smell.
of projects funded by
viewed projects were
teer-reviewed projects.
i exposure, rather than
:h related to ETS, par-
r the tobacco industry
projects. One of the
ve smoldng is that per-
:ause any serious dam-
sible that the tobacco
31-reviewed projects to
!idon, from a legal per-
tld be much less darn-
ltlSes disease; thus it is
rch.
ed principal investiga-
CIAR, we coded the
sector, or other. They
:)n was a university or
I with a private-sector
All other affiliations
e than one affiliation
affiliations of CIAR-
projects had academic
; on special-reviewed
zations.'Iwo special-
of Healthy Buildings
Table I Topics of Projects Funded by CIAR, 1988 to 1993
Topic
ETS Health Effects
ETS Exposure
Other ETS
Total ETS
Non-ETS Health Effects
Non-ETS Exposure
Other Non-ETS
Total Non-ETS
r of Peer-
d Projects
d
=40) Number of
Reviewed
(n =1 Special-
Projects
9)
6 2
6 8
0 ; 2
1Zlo096) 12 (63%)
14 0
13 . 6
1 1
28 0096) 7 (37%)
Comparison of total ETS vs. total non-ETS for peer-reviewed vs. special-reviewed projects:
Fisher's Exact'itiat, D +. .02.
Table 2 Affiliations of Principal Investigators (Pis) funded by CIAR'
Percentage of PIs on Percentage of PIs on
Peer-Reviewed Special-Reviewed
Projects Projects
Affiliation (n = 34) (n = 18)
Academic 94 ! : 56
Private Sector 3 . 39
Other 3 6
Chi square =12.26. df = 2, p.0.002.
+'IWo PIa received funding for both peer-reviewed projects and special-reviewed projects.
They were cl.ssitied as PIs on special-reviewed projects throughout our analyses. However, onr
results would not have been different if we had classified them as PIs on peeFreviewed projects,
or if we had placed them in a separate category.
International (HBI), Gray Robertson, a long-time tobacco industry con-
sultant who has testified frequently on the industry's behalf (Levin 1993;
U.S. House 1994a). It is therefore possible.that special-reviewed projects
tend to be awarded to PIs in the private sectbr because some of them may
be sympathetic to the tobacco industry position. Alternatively, academic
investigators may be wary of accepting filnd,ing for special-reviewed proj-
ects because they have not been subject to a formal peer-review process.
We also found that three of CIAR's sp4cial-reviewed projects were
awarded to PIs who are cturently meinb~ of CIAR's science advisory
board. This sort of financial relationship beiween the advisory board and
the tobacco industry could raise concern atoout the board's ultimate inde-
Numbe
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526 Journal of Hea
We also an,6lyzed '
whether articles res
th Politics, Policy and Law
e stated conclusions of the articles to determine
lting from special-reviewed projects would be more
likely than t'hose res;
Table 3 s min "
of CIAR's roject-r,
ing from sp~ecial-re
quality char~cteristi
reviewed p
addition, 3
published
lications. Fi
ects tended
funding.
Table 3 al
ects were m
port the tob
ting from peer-reviewed projects to be pro-industry.
es our findings regarding the quality and conclusions
lated publications. As hypothesized, articles result-
iewed projects tended to be associated with poor-
s. Almost one-half of articles resulting from special-
jects were published in non-peer-reviewed journals. In
percen were published in symposia and 20 percent were
~
book s
ctions, institutional reports, and other types of pub-
ally, articles associated with CIAR's special-reviewed proj-
o ackn~wledge the tobacco industry as the sole source of
l
o show that articles based on CIAR's special-reviewed proj-
re likely than articles from its peer-reviewed projects to sup-
o indistry position. These findings support evidence from
previous studies su esting that industry funding is associated with pro-
industry out,6omesavidson 1986; Swaen and Meijers 1988; Lexchin
1993; Rochon et al. 1994). In addition, these findings provide further sup-
port for oui hypot esis that the tobacco industry may be funding
research thrqugh C R's special-reviewed projects to produce data that
GO are favorable to its osition.
Use of CIAR-Fundeb Research
The final phapse of ou study was an ysis of the use of research funded
by CIAR. We hypo esized that, alth ugh CIAR-funded research has led
to publicatioits both upporting and ing the tobacco industry posi-
tion, the industry vbould selectivel cite the studies that support its
claims. In addition,, ve hypothesized that Pl:s on special-reviewed proj-
ects would be more 1~keIy than PIs on r-reviewed projects to have tes-
tified on the utdustryf s behalf. To de e how CIAR-fuaded research
was being u);ed, w analyzed tes ' ony presented by CIAR-funded
researchers t~t fed hearings relate to ETS.
We used three sou s to identify -funded researchers who have
testified or st#bmi statements on ' ues related to ETS: the list of per-
sons who tesfified ore the Occupa 'onal Safety and Health Adminis-
tration (OSHA) rega ding its propose indoor air quality standard (U.S.
Department bf Occu ational Safety nd Health Administration 1994);
the list of persons w, o submitted tec 'cal oomments to the U.S. Envi-
i
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T:
Ft
Pc
T)
So
Ac
ro)
w1
an
ide
mt
an.
Pn
inF
bu:
to
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516 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law
Scientific evidence now strongly suggests that exposure to environmen-
tal tobacco smoke (ETS) is harmful to the health of persons who do not
smoke. Studies have shown that passive smoking can cause lung cancer
(Hirayama 1981; Fontham et al. 1994) and heart disease (Glantz and
Parmley 1991; Steenland 1992) in adults and that it increases the risk for
sudden infant death syndrome (DiFranza and Lew 1995) and various res-
piratory disorders in children (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1992). In 1986, two scientific consensus reports on the harmful effects of
exposure to ETS were published independently by the National Acad-
emy of Sciences (1986) and by the U.S. Surgeon General (U.S. Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services 1986). And in 1992, the U.S. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency classified ETS as a known Group A human
carcinogen (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1992). The growing
awareness of the harmful effects of passive smoking has led to increased
restrictions on smoking in public places to protect nonsmokers from
exposure to ETS. .
In contrast, a study published in 1992 in a peer-reviewed journal con-
cluded that "acceptable air quality can be maintained (indoors] with
moderate amounts of smoking" (Turner et al. 1992: 19). This study was
funded by the Center for Indoor Air Research (CIAR), which was created
by U.S. tobacco companies in 1988. CIAR's stated mission is to fund
high-quality, objective research related to indoor air, including studies of
ETS. Both CIAR and the tobacco industry maintain that CIAR is an
independent organization. In particular, they emphasize that CIAR's proj-
ects are funded in a "scientifically rigorous and objective manner" based
on peer review by a group of independent scientists and that this peer
review process "ensures that only high quality research ... is recom-
mended for funding" (Center for Indoor Air Research 1994: 3).
Whenever an industry funds research that is directly related to its
product, there is concern that conflict of interest may influence the
research in some way (Bond 1991; Hillman et al. 1991; Blank 1992:
Rothman 1993; Chren 1994; Witt and Gostin 1994). In particular, the
sponsor might apply overt or covert pressure on the investigator to pro-
duce results that will be favorable (Hillman et a1.1991). For example, the
sponsor could recommend that the investigator use a study design that
would be more likely to favor its product. Or the sponsor could encour-
age a researcher to emphasize certain conclusions in the final publication
of the data. Even without any external pressure, investigators may feel
consciously or subconsciously compelled to publish findings that are
pleasing, or at least not damaging, to their sponsors (Hillman et al. 1991).
19
M
®

M
rojects, according to
ic data that could be
. (Sarokin 1988; Bero
d the industry to cul-
x called on to testify
Council for Tobacco
specifically to divert
t al. 1995). For exam-
ition, occupation, or
s attributed to smok-
jects were sometimes
:sults that would sup-
sponsorship can influ-
irch and specific evi-
i control the direction
arch funded by CIAR
o industry argues that
9amage, and that epi-
and do not prove that
.ustry has an obvious
:e arguments, because
) accept them if they
sport prepared by the
istitute noted that the
ancern about passive
rt stated: "The strate-
issue is, as we see it,
ble, medical evidence
oker's health."
e content, quality, and
ther it is funding truly
idies that appear to be
hesized that, although
obacco industry might
position that passive
Barnes and Bero Ina
C1AR's Peer-Reviewed and
Special-Reviewed Projects
CIAR has released several Request for App
that describe its organizational structure, m
(Center for Indoor Air Research 1989, 1991,
these RFAs, CIAR is an independent, nonA
1988 (Center for Indoor Air Research 1994)
rate members: charter, regular, and asso~
"those corporations that established the Cen
ing the majority of funding;" whereas regulI
"those persons or corporations that are im
research but were not involved in the estab:
ter for Indoor Air Research 1994: 3). Chat
represented on the board of directors bu
(Center for Indoor Air Research 1994).
Although these types of memberships ar
RFAs, the names of the members are listed
M
original charter members were Philip
Tobacco Company, and Lorillard Corpo
Research 1989); Svenska Tobaks A.B., a S
pany, was added to the list of charter mem
Air Research 1994). CIAR has two reguls
and Mead Paper, its associate members it
aging companies. Thus CIAR was create
tobacco companies, and its board of direl
tobacco industry representatives.
C1AR's mission, as stated in its 1989-
ate a focal point organization of the high
and foster quality, objective research in i
ronmental tobacco smoke, and to effectivi
ings to the broad $cientific comrnunity"
1989: 1). This mission statement was
includes a specific reference to ETS (
1992a). CTAR states that its mission is ft
entific and technical research related to i
The peer-review process that CIAR ui
is described in its RFA brochures as foll
The research agenda of the Center fo
lated by the Science Advisory Boa
-Funded Research 519
bations (RFAs) brochures
6on; and funding process
~92a, 1994). According to
W corporation formed in
t has three types of corpo-
ite. Charter members are
r and are currently provid-
and associate members are
ested in indoor air quality
zment of the Center" (Cen-
- and regular members are
ssociate members are not
learly described in CLAR's
ly in the appendix. CIAR's
's U.S.A., R. J. Reynolds
on (Center for Indoor Air
dish domestic tobacco com-
in 1994 (Center for Indoor
~ embers: Hoechst Celanese
de several paper and pack-
nd nd is primarily financed by
rs is composed primarily of
~
t
research agenda, is "to cre-
scientific caliber to sponsor
oor air issues including envi-.
communicate research find-
ter for Indoor Air Research
en
ified in 1992 and no longer
iter for Indoor Air Research
lled primarily by funding sci-
loor air.
to select projects for funding
s:
idoor Air Research is formu-
(SAB), a multi-disciplinary
®
!:
i

539 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law
. 1994. Sponsored Symposia on Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Journal of
the Ameriean Medical Association 271(8):612-617.
Bero, L. A., and S. A. Glantz.1993: Tobacco Industry Response to a Risk Assessment
of Bnvironmental Tobacco Smoke.Tobacco Connvl 2(2):103-113.
Blank, L H. 1992. Industry-Funded Dermatologic Research within Academia in the
United States: Fiscal and Ethical Considerations. Journal of lm+estigative Derma-
tology 98(3):265-268.
Bloch, M.1994: Tobacco Industry Funding of Biomedical Research. Tobacco Control
3(4):297-298.
Bond, 0. 0. 1991. Ethical Issues Relating to the Conduct and Interpretation of Epi-
demiologic Research in Private Industry. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
44(Suppl 1):29S-34S.
Center for Indoor Air Research. ;1989.1989-90 Research Agenda: Request for Appli-
c+ations. Linthicum, MD: Center for Indoor Air Research.
1991. 1991 Research Agenda: Request for Applications. Linthicum, MD:
Center for Indoor Air Research.
1992a. 1992-93 Research Agenda: Request for Applications. Linthicum,
MD: Center for Indoor Air Reacareh.
1992b: Supported Studies. Linthicum, MD: Center for Indoor Air Research.
1993a..List of projects funded by CIAR in 1993, provided by V. Christine
Marquardt. I:inthicum, MD: Center forindoor Air Research, 13 October.
1993b. List of publications resulting from CIAR-funded research, provided
by V. Christine Marquardt. Linthicum, MD: Center for Indoor Air Research, 13
October.
1993c. List of publications iesulting from CIAR-funded research, provided
by Paula Raimondo, Research Librarian. Linthicum, MD: Center for Indoor Air
Research, 16:Novembet:
1994. 1994 Research Agenda: Request for Applications. Linthicum, MD:
Center for Intlnor Air Research.
1995. Supported Studies and Peiblications. Linthicum, MD: Center for
Indoor Air Research.
Chalmers, T. C., C. S. Frsnk, and 0. Reitman. 1990. Minimizing the Three Stages of
Publication Bias. Journal of dusAmerican:Medical A.rsociatton 263(10):1392-1395.
Cho, M. K, and L A. Bero. Forthcoming. The Quality of Drug Studies Published in
Symposium Proceedings.
Chren, M. 1994. Independent Investigators and For-Profit Companies: Guidelines for
Biomedical Scientists Consideaing Funding by Industry.Archives ofDermarology
130:432-437.
Council for Tbbaceo Research. 1992. Report of the Council for Tobacco Research-
USA, Inc. Washingto0. DC: Councii for'Ibbaeco Research.
Davidson, R. 1986. Source of Funding and Outcome of Clinical Trials. Journal of
General Inteinal Medicrne l i l55- 08.
DiFranra, J. R.; and R. A. Lew. 1995. Effects of Maternal Cigarette Smoking on
Pregnancy Complications andSndden Infant Death Syndrome. Journal of Family
Practice 40(V85-394.
i

1
®
®
524 Journal of Health PolPtics, Policy and Law
pendence. It also suggests that the industry may reward some members
of the science advisory board by providing funding for their projects.
f Quality of Research Funded by CIAR
" The next phase of 'our study was an evaluation of the quality of research
funded through CIAR. We could not directly evaluate the quality of the
projects themselves, because we did not have aocess to the proposals sub-
mitted to CIAR.. As a surrogate, we evaluated the quality of publications
that have resulted from C1AR-funded research.
We identified articles that had resulted from CIAR-funded research by
contacting CIAR and by searching MEDLINE and Current Contents for
articles coauthored by CIAR-funded PIs. CIAR provided two lists that
collectively identified sixty-one publications that had resulted from its
funded projects (Center for Indoor Air Research 1993b, 1993c). Ten more
articles that acknovtiledged CIAR as a source of funding were identified
through MEDLINE and Current Contents, giving us a total of seventy-
one possible articles for inclusion. Eleven of these articles (15 percent)
were not contained within any of the University of California, Califor-
nia State, or Stanford University libraries and therefore were not avail-
able through our interlibrary loan system. We obtained five of these arti-
cles by contacting the authors; another four were institutional reports,
which we purchased. We could not obtain two articles (3 percent), both of
which were published in symposia, and had been coauthored by a PI on a
special-reviewed project (Hedge 1991; Hedge et al. 1992). Therefore we
assessed the quality of sixty-nine articles that resulted from CIAR-
funded research based on the criteria described in the next section.
Several studies identified various factors that are associated with pub-
lication quality. FQr example, peer-reviewed publications have been asso-
ciated with higher quality (Barnes and Bero, unpublished data; Rochon
1994) and a more balanced presentation of information (Bero et al. 1992)
compared with non-peer-reviewed publications. Similarly, articles pub-
lished in symposia, which typically are not peer reviewed, have been
associated with poor quality and unbalanced findings (Bero et al. 1992,
1994; Rochon 1994). In addition, review articles generally have been
associated with biases based on the afi'iliations of the reviewers (Chalmers
et al. 1990). Studies have also shown that publications based on industry-
funded research tend to draw pro-industry conclusions (Davidson 1986;
Swaen and Meijers 1988; Lexchini 1993; Rochon et al. 1994; Cho and
Bero forthcoming).
I
®

540 Jou~al of Health Politics, Policy and Law
Marquardtj V. C., and staff scientist. 1993. Telephone interview regarding funding
process for CIAIt projects. 13 October.
.National Acadetay of Sciences. 1986. Enirironmental Tobacco Smoke: Measuring
Exposurles and Assesstng Health Jrffects. Washington, DC: National Academy
Press. '
Parish, L C.. J: A. Witkowsld, and L. E. Milh'han.1991. Conflict of Interest and Sci-
entific Publications: International Journal of Dennatology 30(4):250-251.
Rabin, R. 1989. Warnings Unheeded: A History of Child Lead Poisoning. American
Journal of Public Health 79(12):1668-1674.
Relman, A: S. - 1984. Dealing with Conflicts of Interest. New England Journal of Med-
icine 31()(18):1182-1183.
. 1990. New "Information for Authors"-and Readers. New England Journal
of Medicnd 323:56.
Rochon, P. X994.: Evaluating the Quality of Articles Published in Journal Supplements
Compared with the Quality of Those Published in the Parent Journal. Journal of
the Ameiiean Medical Association 272(2):108-113.
Rocbon, P. A.; J. H. Qunvitz, R. W. Simms, P. R. Fortin, D. T. Felson, K. L. Minaker,
and T. 6. Chalmers..I994. A Study of Manufacturer-Suppotted Trials, of Non-
steroidal Anti=inflammatory Drugs in the Treatment of Arthritis. Archives ofInter-
nal Mediciiu'154:157-163.
Rodwin, k A.1989. Physicians' Conflicts of Interest: The Limitations of Disclosure.
New En~landJournal ofMedlcine 321(20):1405-1408.
Roper Otg nization. 1978. A Study of Public Attitudes towanda Cigarette Smoking and
the To cco Industry in 1978. Stotm, CT: Roper Organization.
Rothman, J. 1993. Conflict of Interest: The New McCarthyisrn in Science. Journal
of the Ainerican MsdicalAssoeiation 269(21):2782-2784.
Sarokin, H; L: 1988. Opinion, Cipollone v Liggett Group et al. 683 Federal Supple-
ment 1487, NJ District Court,1988. .
Southgate, hvl. T: 1987. Conflict of Interest and the Peer Review Process. Journal of
the Ametiean'Medieal Association 258(10):1375.
Steeniand, ~C. 1992. Passive Smoking and Risk of Heart Disease. Journal of the Amer-
tcan Me;Iical Alaociation 267:94-99.
Stolberg, S. 1994. R*arcbers Try to Separate Smoking Fact from Fiction. Los Ange-
les Timlis, 28 May, ~. A 1.
Swaen, G., knd J: Meijfrs.:1988. Influence of Design Chanacteristica on the Outcome of
Retr ve CobodStudies. British Journal of Industtial Medictne 45:624-629.
Taking Mo ey from the Devil (Editorial].1985. British Medical Journal 291(6511):
1743-1744. i
Tobacco Ittstitute. 19d6. Tobacco Smoke and the Non-smoker: Scientific Integrity at
the Crossroaats. W' ington, DC: Tobacco Institute.
. Ciscr 1988. Decades of Initiatives by a Responsible Cigarette Indus-
try. Wasbington, : Tobacco Institute.
Todd, J. S. 1944: Leiter to Robert S. Blacklow, M.D., president and dean of North-
eastern hio Univetai6es College of Medicine, 8 Novembec
~
I
.~ .

0
0
i.. .
530 Journal of Health Politics, Policy shd Law
®
0
Research 1992b). Hedge's oral testimo:ny was not available for our analy-
sis. However, in his written statement, Hedge (1994:2) noted that his
research showed "environmental toba6co smoke plays a very minor role,
if any, in eliciting sick building syn ~, ome c.omplaints." In addition, 'he
stated that OSHA's proposal to requi~e separate ventilation systems in
offices, that allow smoking was "unnecessarily restrictive" (Hedge 1994:
3). Thus his statement also supports the tobacco industry position that
OSHA should not regulate smoking in the workplace.
A third CIAR special-reviewed project was discussed at a congres-
sional bearing related to banning smoking on commercial aircraft (U.S.
House 1989). This study was conductea by Torbjorn Malmfors, of Malm-
fors Consulting Inc., and it measured-ltvels of ETS on aircraft. Larry C.
Holcoinb, of Holcomb Environmental Services, presented preliminary
findings of the study and stated that be( acted as a consultant to CIAR on
the project. Holcomb also noted that ; te had been asked to submit his
statement by the Tobacco Institute. According to Holcomb, "the results
of the CIAR study confirm that ETS levels in general are very low in pas-
senger cabins" (U.S. House 1989: 369), The study was later published in
a peer-reviewed journal, and it concluded that exposure to ETS on air-
craft is probably not responsible for health problems in either passengers
or flight attendants (Malmfors et a1. 1989). -
These findings strongly suggest thai the tobacco industry is funding
research through CIAR to develop scientific data that it can use in leg-
islative forums to support its position. .:
Concern regarding the quality of dgta resulting from CIAR special-
reviewed projects has also been raised f'U.S. House 1994a; Barnes et al.
1995). A congressional subcommittee rdcently concluded that 25 percent
of the data from one of CIAR's special-ieviewed projects may have been
falsified or fabricated (U.S. House 1991a). The study was conducted by
Gray Robertson, of HBI, and it involved an analysis of indoor air qual-
ity, including measures of ETS, in 585joffice buildings. The study was
published in a peer-reviewed journal
er et al. 1992) and reported
that ETS levels in rooms used for "ligb' smoking were similar to levels
in nonsmoking rooms. The article concl.~ ded that "with good ventilation,
acceptable air quality.can be maintai#ed with moderate amounts of
smoking" (Turner et al. 1992: 19). I
The U.S. Congress's Subcommittee n Health and the Environment
(U.S. House 1994a) conducted an investi.gation of the HBI study in which
it obtained that company's raw data and compared them with data sub-
mitted in an interim report to CrAR. The:~ubcommittee's analysis showed
W

.. i . '
of interest, particularly-fniancial ones (Relman 1984; Southgate 1987;
International Committee of Medical Journal'Editors 1988; Lundberg and
Flanagin 1989; Relman.1990; Parish et a1.:1991; Koshland .1992). We
found that most CIAR-funded researchers disclosed CIAR as.a.source of
funding in their. publications and during their testimony on tobacco-
related issues. However, as others hav.e noted, there are varying degrees
of disclosure (Rodwin 1989). CIAR-funded investigators tended simply
to state that their research had been funded'by the CIAR. However, most
readers have never beard of CIAR and do not know that it is financed by
the tobacco industry. Even in CIAR's RFAs, the fact that CIAR is sup-
ported by the tobacco industry is. mentioned only in the appendix, on
page 14 of a twenty-one-page pamphlet (Center for Indoor Air Research
1994).
An excellent example of full disclosure is provided by the Health
Effects Institute. Publications that acknowledge the institute as a source
of funding typically state that it is "an organization jointly funded by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and automotive manufacturers."
An appropriate way for researchers to disclose funding from CIAR
would be to state "This project was funded by the Center for Indoor Air
Research (CIAR), an organization created and financed by tobacco oom-
panies." In addition, special-reviewed projects should further state 'Tt
was selected by tobacco industry representatives, rather than through a
process of peer review:' When the true nature of the funding process is
disclosed in this way, the full potential for bias is made apparent.
industry monies is that it is'often one of the.few, and sometimes the only,
conduct biased research as a resuit. The argument in favor of accepting
likely to oppose the indnstry in other mattera, and may be more likely to
The argument against taking-tobacco industry money is that researchers
will provide the industry with undeserved respectability, will be less
schools and urged them not to accept support from the tobacco industry.
Medical Association, recently wrote to tho deans of many U.S. medical
tion, James S. Todd (1994), executive vicp-president of the American
Finally, our findings support calls for investigators to refuse all tobacco
industry financing. Many authors have argued that researchers should
not accept funding of any sort from the tobscco industry ( Ihldng Money
from the Devil 1985; Wolinsky 1985; Blocp 1994; White, n.d.). In addi-
Impiications for the Ethics of Accepting Tobacco
Industry Funding
Con
CIA
peer
inde
tryry as ai
ibilb
omn
toba
spec
lobb
sion
by c
m
~
~
cn
J

tcco Smoke: Measuring
X: National Academy
L6ict of Interest and Sci-
Y 30(4):250-251.
ad Poisoning. American
:ngland Jourva! of Med-
s. New England Journal
in Journal Supplements
rent Journal. Journal of
Felson, K. L Mnaker,
pported Trials of Non-
hri tis. A n: hi ves of Inte r-
nitations of Disclosure.
Cigarette Smoking and
ion.
lsm in Science. Journal
1. 683 Federal Supple-
:w Process. Journal of
e. Journal ofthe Amer-
iom Fiction. LosAnge-
tics on the Outcome of
Wedicine 45:624-629.
ol lourna1291(6511):
Scientifrc Integrity at
sible Cigarette lndus_
tt and dean of North-
Turner, S., L. CyF, and A. J. G}''oss. 1992. The Meastuemenr of Environmental .
Tobacco Smoke'in 385 Office Fli*onments. Environmentlnternational 18(1):19-28.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1986. The Health Consequences of._
Involuntary Smoki;tig: A ReporA of the Surgeon General. Rockville. MD: U.S. Pub-
Iic Health 5ervice.l', I
U.S. Department of Occupationa~ Safety and Health Administration. 1994. Indoor
Air Qualtty Aedrir~g Schedule: ~Panicipants-in the Publie Hearing on OSHA S Pro-
posed Standard for Indoor Ai9r Quality (59 FR 15968). Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Labor. ~
U.S. Environmental Protection A4ency. 1992. Respiratory Health Effects of Passive
Smoking: Lung-Cancerand Other Disorders. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmen-
tal Protection Agency. i
U.S. House. 1978> Subcommittee on Tobacco. Effect of Smoking on Nonsmokers:
Hearing beforee the Subcommittee on Tobacco of the Committee on Agriculture.
95th Congress.
(
.1986. Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. Designation of Smok-
ing Areas In Federal Building): Hearings before the Subcommittee on Health and
the Environment of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 99th Congress.
1987. Suboommittee on Aviation. To Ban Smoking on Airline Airrratt: Hear-
ing before the Subcommittee dn Aviation of the Committee on Public Works and
Transporiation..100th Congre4s.
. 1989. Subcommittee on Aviation. To Ban Smoking on Airline AlrrraJt: Hear-
ing before the Subcommittee an Aviation of the Committee on Public Works and
Transportation. 101st Congres,s.
. 1993a. Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. Environmental
Tobacco Smoke: Hearing befor~,r the Subcommittee on Health and the Environmrnt :--_
.°.-°-.............°.......':
~
99th Congress.
of the Committee on Energy at~d. Commeree.103d Congress.
1993b. Subcommittee or4 Public Buildings and Grounds. Tb Prohibit Smok-
ing in Federal Buildings: Hea{ings before the Subcommittee on Public Buildings
and Grounds of the Committee on.Public Works and Transportation. 103d Con-
gress. !
1993c. Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Natural Resources. Review of
the U.S. Environmental Proteltion Agency's Tobacco and Smoke Study: Hearing
before the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Natural Resources qf the Com-
mittee on Agriculture. 103d Cqngess.
1994a. Subcommittee on Health and the Environment Environmental
Tobacco Smoke Investigation. ~03d Congress.
1994b. Subcommittee n Health and the Environment. Environmental
Tobacco Smokc (Part 2): He rings before the Subcommittee on Health and the
Environment of the Conrtnitte on Energy and Commerce. 103d Congress.
U.S. Seoate.1985. Subcommitteeion Civil Setvice, Post Office, and General Services.
Non-Smokers Rights Act of 1985: Hearings before the Subcommittee on Civil Ser-
vice, Post Office, and General ~ervices of the Committee on Gove?nmental Affairs.

M
AR's peer-reviewed
ry is using them to
.utant, because most
possible that peer-
blicity and improve
t suggests that the
c data it can cite in
;. For example, data
presented at OSHA
d, and data from a
ngressional hearing
rcial aircraft. In all
co industry position
Zg research through
influence policy on
by the lack of peer
-le, the Oak Ridge
review appears to
:)r bias. Participants
firm with ties to the
:ntists employed by
uudy design, policy
of the study, which
smoking should not
t on the HBI study
ved projects appear
i the subcommittee
he approval of its
policy makers will
HBI with a partic-
a
Deflecting Attenti
Our study leaves uni
funding peer-reviea
peer-reviewed proja
as an indoor air poll
reviewed projects~
..,
is supported by a i
subcommittee inc~
within HBI in late 1S
concept is to broade
challenge" (U.S. Ho
belief that ETS is "a
The tobacco indu
by funding projects
health hazard, and
harmful. For exam
reviewed project tlu
after his study foun
rotic plaques than d
The tobacco ind
ically increased by
based organization
Good Publicity
~ il
~I I
The tobacco industr
CIAR to provide it i
®
tobacco industry c
improve its public
Tobacco Institute e
0
Cigarette Industry,
Industry support~
1988 and has re
papers.. . . Pursui
industry support
Research to awar
quality in enclos~
lved the question of why the tobacco industry is
projects through CIAR. One possibility is that
re being used to deflect attention away from ETS
because more than two-thirds of CIAR's peer-
substances unrelated to tobacco. This hypothesis
ent that was obtained as part of the conpessional
Into HBI. The document, which was circulated
or 1992, stated that "the key objective of the HBI
e debate on indoor air quality to deflect the ETS
1994a: 5). In particular, HBI was to promote the
nor contributor" to indoor air problems.
may also be trying to divert attention from ETS
lieves will support its position that ETS is not a
denying funds to projects that find that ETS is
one PI, who had received financing for a peer-
Ch1R, stated that his funding was not renewed
at roosters exposed to ETS had larger artheroscle-
nexposed roosters (Stolberg 1994). 1
's power to deflect attention from ETS is dramat-
fact that, to our knowledge, no other nationally
ding research on ETS.
ay also be funding peer-reviewed projects through
good publicity and to enhance its credibility. The
n cites its funding of independent research to
ge. For example, a publication produced by the
ed Three Decades of Initiatives by a Responsible
es: "
ndependent research exceeds $162 million through
ed in publication of more than 3,000 scientific
its effort to advance scientific knowledge, tobacco
to establishment of the Center for Indoor Air
ads to independent investigators in the field of air
paces. (Tobacco Institute, circa 1988)
®
0
,,:
4

rticles to determine
iects would be more
s to be pro-industry.
lity and conclusions
ized, articles result-
iociated with poor-
;ulting from special-
riewed journals. In
ad 20 percent were
other types of pub-
:cial-reviewed proj-
: the sole source of
!cial-reviewed proj-
wed projects to sup-
)port evidence from
Ls'sociated with pro-
jers 1988; Lexcbin
3rovide further sup-
f may be funding
o produce data that
of research funded
ed research has led
acco i-n,r_tustryposi=
s that support its
;ial-reviewed proj-
>rojects to have tes-
R-funded research
by CIAR-funded
earchers who have
iTS: the list of per-
d Health Adminis-
lity standard (U.S.
iinistration 1994);
; to the U.S. Envi-
Barnes and Bero industry-Funded Research 527
Tabie 3 Quality and Outcomes of Publications Resulting from C1AR-
Funded Research
ercentage of Articl
Resulting from
Peer-Review
Projects
(n = 48)
Percentage of Articl,
Resulting from
Special-Reviewed
.. Projects
(a = 21) / Statistical Test
e of Article
Ty
p
Symposium 17 33 Chi square = 4.37
Original 71 48 df = 3
Review 2 . 0 p=0.22
Other 10 19
Souces(s) of Funding
Acknowledged
Tobacco Industry 15 62 Chi square=24.12
Multiple 79 19 df = 3
Other 2 0 p<0.0001
None Stated 4 06 19
Conclusion
Pro-industry
2
CMIN
29
Chi square = 11.89
And-industry 6 ~
` 9 df=2
Neutral 92 G~
14 62 p = 0.003
10 ~
ronmental Protection Agency regarding its draft risk assessment of ETS,
which had been obtained for a previy,t,c, stt;dy `rR,,,`'ro anc[G}an{z }993):
and the tables of contents of congressional hearings related to ETS. We
identified congressional hearings by searching the Congressional Infor-
mation Services Index from 1970 to 1994 using the key words "smoking"
and "tobacco:' We included only those.hearings that focused on ETS or
proposals to restrict smoking in public places. We identified nine hear-
ings, including three on proposals to restrict or ban smoking in federal
buildings (U.S. Senate 1985; U.S. House 1986,1993b), two on proposals
to restrict smoking in public places nationwide (U.S. House 1993a,
1994b), two regarding proposals to ban smoking on airline flights (U.S.
House 1987, 1989), one on the health effects of exposure to ETS (U.S.
House 1978), and one involving a critical review of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency's risk assessment of ETS (U.S. House 1993c).

.cco Smoke. Journal of
se to a Risk Assessment
03-113.
+vithin Academia in the
~f Investigative Derma-
eatch. Tobacco Control
I Interpretation of Epi-
-lrnica! Epidemiology
ida: RequestforApplf-
'ions. Linthicum, MD:
plications. Linthicum,
r Indoor Air Research.
wided by V. Christine
h, 13 October.
led research, provided
door Air Research, 13
led research, provided
Center for Indoor Air
ions. Linthicum, MD:
:um, MD: Center for
-ig the Three Stages of
a 263(10):1392 - 1345.
g Studies Published in
panies: Guidelines for
:hives of Dermatology
Pr Tobacco Researrii-
cal Trials. Journal of
agarette Smoking on
ne. Journal of Family
Barnes and Bero , Industry-Funded Research 539
Fontham, E. T. H., P. Correa, P. Reynolds, A. Wu-Williams, P. A. Buffler, R. S.
Greenberg, V. W. bben, T. Altertnan, P. Boyd, D. F. Austin, and J. Liff.1994. Envi-
ronmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer in Nonsmoking Women:. A Multi-
center Study. Journal of theAmerican Medical Associatton 271(22):1752-1759.
Freedman, A. M., and L P. Cohen. 1993. Smoke and Mirrors: How Cigarettc Mak-
ers Keep Health Question "Open" Year after Year. Wall Stnet Journal, 1 I Febru-
ary,p.A1.
Fry, J. 1995. HBI Piesident Denies Charges, Decries Report. IndoorAir Review 4:1.
Glantz, S. A., and W. W. Parmley. 1991. Passive Smoking and Heart Disease: Epi-
derniology, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Circulation 83:1-]2.
Hedge, A. 1991. Psychosocial and Environmental Influences on "Sick" Building Syn-
drome. Indoor Air Pollution: A Complete Update on fAQ Pollutants, Sources,
E,ffects, Liability,!Research, and, Control. Tulsa. OK University of Tulsa.
1994. Letter to the Occupational and Safety Health Administration Declar-
iog Notice of Intention to Appear at Hearings on Proposed Indoor Air Quality
Standard. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 4 August.
Hedge, A., W. Erickson, and GAtubin. 1992. Effects of Personal and Occupational
Factors on Sick Building Syndrome Reports in Air-Conditioned Offices. In Work
and Well-Being: Assessmentsand Interventions for Occupational Mental Health,
ed. J. Quick, L. Ivltuphy, and J. Hurrell. Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association: 286-298.
Hiliman, A. L., J. M. Eisenberg, M. V. Pauly, B. S. Bloom, H. Glick, B. Kinosian, and
J. S. Schwartz. 1491. Avoiding'Bias in the Conduct and Reporting of Cost-effec-
tiveness Research Sponsored by Pharmaceutical Companies. New England Jour-
nal of Medicine 324(19):1362-1365.
Hirayama, T. 1981. Non-smoking'Wives of Heavy Smokers Have a Higher Risk of
Lung Cancer. A Study from Japan. British Medical Journal 282(6259):183-185.
International Committee of Med'[cal Journal Editors. 1988. Uniform Requirements
for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals. Annals of Internal Medicine
108:258-265.
Jenldns, R. A. 1995: Transcript of Oral Testimony Presented befotr the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration Regarding the Proposed Standan3for IndoorAir
Quality. Washington, DC: Bayley Reporting, Inc.
Koshland, D. E. J. I992. Conflict of Interest Policy. Science 257:595.
Levin, M. 1993. Whes behind the Building Doctor. The Narion 9(16):168-171.
Lexchin, J. 1993. Iritetactions between Physicians and the Pharmaceutical Industry:
What Does thb Literature Say? Canadian Medical Association Journal
149(10):1401-407.
Lilienfeld, D. E. ]99L The Silence: The Asbestos Industry and Early Occupational Can-
cer Research-A Case Study. Ametfccmt Journal of Public Healtle 81(6):791-800.
Lundbetg. G. D., dnd. A. Flanagin. 1989. New Requirements for Authors: Signed
Statements of Apthorship Responsibility and Financial Disclosure. Journal of the
American MedicalAssociation 262(14):2003-2004.
Malmfors, T., D. Thorburn, and A. Westlin. 1989. Air Quality in Passenger Cabins
of DC-9 and Mn-80 Aircraft. Environmental Technology Letters 10:613-628.

®
N
®
I
a
I
Conclusions
Barnes and Befo w IndustryFunded Research 537
available sources of funding. Our findings suggest that the tobacco indus-
try's credibility is enhanced through its association.with independent
investigators. The scientists who sit dn CIAR's science advisory board,
and those who accept funding throug}i.its peer-reviewed projects, all pro-
vide the tobacco industry with the op~ortunity to claim that it is funding
high-quality, objective research. Hov~,ever, the true purpose of CIAR is
made clear by the industry's use of itsspecial-reviewed projects to lobby
against regulation of smoking in publi places. All researchers associated
with CIAR, even those who do not study tobacco-related issues, are con-
tributing to the tobacco industry's agenda.
CIAR is funding two types of projects°for two different purposes. CIAR's
peer-reviewed projects are avKarded ~ased;on the recommendations of
independent scientists and most are unrelateii to ETS. The tobacco indus-
try may be funding peer-reviewed p' ects t`o deflect attention from ETS
as an indoor air pollutant, to gain goo~ publicity, and to enhance its cred-
ibility. CIAR's special-reviewed projicts are awarded based on the rec-
ommendations of tobacco industry e!cecutives and tend to support the
tobacco industry position. The tobacFo industry appears to be funding
special-reviewed projects to develog scieriti$e data that it can use to
lobby against regulation of smoking i~t public places. CIAR's stated mis-
sion of funding high-quality, objecti~Je research has been compromised
by conflict of interest. ~
I
; References
i .
Barnes, D.. and L. Bero. Unpublished daia. Methodological Quality of Original
Research Articles on Environmental Tobacco 'Smoke and the Effects of Peer
Review.
Barnes, D. E., P. Hanauer, J. Slade, L. A: Be , and`:S. A Glaotz 1995. Environmen-
tal Tobacco Smoke: The Brown and WiIliamson Documents. Journal of the Arncr-
ican Medical Association 274(3):248-25 .
Bero, L., D. E. Barnes, P. Hanauer, J. Slade, nd S. A. Glantz. 1995. Lawyer Control
of the Tobacco Industry's External Res h Program: The Brown and Williamson
Documents.JournaloftheAmerican.6le tcalArsociation274(3):241-247. '
Bero, L. A., A. C~albraith, and D. Rennie. 1 92. 71e Publication of Sponsored Sym-
posiums in Medical Journals. New,Bng I Journal ofMedicine 327:1135-1140.
1
,
;outhgate 1987;
3; Lundberg and
land 1992). We
R as a source of
ny on tobacco-
varying degrees
s tended simply
However, most
it is financed by
it CIAR is sup-
e appendix, on
)r Air Research
by the Health
tute as a source
y funded by the
nanufacturers:'
1g from CIAR
for Indoor Air
y tobacco com-
urther state "It
than through a
ding process is
?parent.
use all tobacco
archers should
Taking Money
n.d.). In addi-
the American
y U.S. medical
)acco industry.
iat researchers
y, will be less
more likely to
rr of accepting
times the only,

inded researchers who
itements. When avail-
As of oral testimony to'
research, whether the
ry was disclosed, and
ustry position on ETS
es).
fs on special-reviewed
compared with 3 per-
rojects (Fisher's exact
ct had testified on five
I only once.
led Prs supported the
to health. The P1 who
toking can be accom-
D PIs argued that evi-
;ease; one maintained
,onclude that ETS is
xplain the statistical
tat ETS is not a major
; and one argued that
at the exposure is too
ed ptojects have been
al-reviewed projects
proposed indoor air
banning smoking in
Scussed at hearings
: Sights. In all three
:ts were used to sup-
3ger A. Jenkins, who
ved project entitled
tal Tobacco Smoke"
fational Laboratory .
kins disclosed in his
; however, he stated
or against OSHA's
iducting a study and
gathering some information I thinl
ins 1995: 9690).
Jenkins testified orally that the
exposure to ETS in the workplac
place and non-workplace exposu
had participated in the study: Be
firm based in Winston-Salem, N
participants; R. J. Reynolds had
determine the levels of exposure t
Ridge National Laboratory was
study design and for analyzing a
that Bellomy often conducts mark
The study design Jenkins descri
of bias. Specifically, it is highly u
in the outcome of a study to be al
and to conduct the laboratory an
could have been hired. During his
eral steps had been taken to ensur
late the data in any way. Howev
would have approved a study desi
Jenkins also noted that the de
slightly skewed. For example, th
women, to have high soeioeconoo
els, to be white; and to work in w
that many or all of these factors
normal workplace exposure to ET
According to Jenkins, the preli
that most persons are exposed to
sion supports the tobacco indus
should not regulate smoking in th
The second CIAR special-revie
was conducted by Alan Hedge, of
ronmental Analysis at Cornell Univ
Hedge received $431,177 from- 1
which studied the effects of differ
conditions on indoor air quality in
purpdse of the study was to m,easure
andjfo compare the levels of work-
e. H~ 9tated that three organizations
omy Research, a marketing research
h Carolina, had recruited the study
ondu~ted the laboratory analyses to
ETS in the various groups; and Oak
sponkible for approving the overall
inte~reting the data. Jenkins noted.
ting r,dsearch for R. J. Reynolds.
contains several potential sources
usua~ ~or firms with strong interests
owed;to select the study participants
Iyses' :particularly when other firms
testiWny, Jenkins stressed that sev-
that Il:. J. Reynolds did not manipu-
r, it ;4 unlikely that peer reviewers
such a high potential for bias.
ographics of the study group were
parti~ipants were more likely to be
stattl , to have high educationallev-
ite-co occupations. It is possible
ould `e associated with lower-than-
~.
i
ary; ults from the study suggested
ETS on the job. This conclu-
posi , ri thatthe federal government
workoace.
prbject presented before OSHA
Department of Design and Envi-
ccording to CIAR's tax forms,
9 to 1 993 ~to conduct this project,s
nt sn1Qktng policies and ventilation
Mce btsildings (Center for Indoor Air

ble for our analy-
2) noted that his
i very minor role,
" In addition, he
.ation systems in
le" (Hedge 1994:
try position that
ed at a congres-
!ial aircraft (U.S.
!mfors, of Malm-
iircraft. Larry C.
ited preliminary
Itant to CIAR on
ed to submit his
1mb, "the results
very low in pas-
3ter published in
e to ETS on air-
-ither passengers
i CIAR special-
fa; Barnes et al.
I that 25 percent
i may have been
is conducted by
indoor air qual-
. The study was
2) and reported
similar to levels
ood ventilation,
ate amounts of
te Environment
I study in which
i with data sub-
inalysis showed
that measures of respirable suspended partictilates, which are used to
estimate ETS levels, were substantially altered more than 25 percent of
the time. Several other discrepancies were identified that would have
tended to decrease the levels of ETS measured in rooms used for smok-
ing (U.S. House 1994a). HBI employees confirmed that their data col-
lection forms were routinely changed to minimize measurements of ETS.
The subcommittee requested an independent ' analysis of HBI's data,
which concluded that "the data [are] so marred by unsubstantiated data
entries, discrepancies, and misclassifications that it raises serious ques-
tions of scientific fraud" (U.S. House 1994a: 6): Robertson has denied the
congressional findings (U.S. House 1994a; Fry- 1995).
According to information submitted to the subcommittee by the
Tobacco Institute, representatives of HBI have testified at least129.times
before federal, state, or local government agencies on issues related to
ETS. In our analysis, Robertson submitted a total of five statements, and
he typically argued that smoking could be accommodated indoors
through adequate ventilation. .
Our findings on the use of CIAR-funded research provide further evi-
dence to support our hypothesis that the tobacco industry is using CIAR's
special-reviewed projects to produce data it can use in legislative and
legal settings. In addition, our findings suggest that the industry may be
using CIAR to develop relationships with researchers who might be will-
ing to testify on behalf of the tobacco industry.
Discussion
Together our findings suggest that CIAR is funding two types of projects
for two different purposes. Peer-reviewed projects are funded based on
the recommendations of independent scientists. They are awarded pri-
marily to academic investigators and most of them are not related to
ETS. Special-reviewedprojects, on the other hand, are awarded based on
the recommendations of tobacco industry executives. They are more
likely than peer-reviewed projects to be related to ETS, to be awarded to
private sector. consultants, and to support the tobacco industry position
that ETS has not been proved harmful to health. In addition, data from
several of CIAR's special-reviewedrojects have been presented at hear-
ings related to ETS to support the tobacco indostry agenda.
These findings sugge'st that CIAR's peer-reviewed and special-reviewed
projects may be serving different pur~poses. The tobacco industry appears
to be funding special-reviewed projects to develop scientific data that it
