Papers & Letters: 2015
Letter to NEJM on the ‘Hidden Formaldehyde’ paper
November 2015: Global / New England Journal of Medicine
Letter
Letter to editor of New England Journal of Medicine editor summarising criticisms and consequences of the profoundly flawed Portland State University paper on e-cigarettes and Hidden Formaldehyde. See also
Harms or Highs: regulating narcotics, alcohol and nicotine
September 2015: Global
Article
Article for Politique Internationale on regulation for harm reduction rather than drug prohibition. Two themes: (1) purpose of policy should be reducing harm; (2) policy itself can be a significant cause of harm.
Briefing for politicians policymakers on regulating not banning e-cigarettes
September 2015: Malaysia
Briefing
Also, angry prohibitionists have been campaigning for e-cigarette prohibition in Malaysia. E-cigarettes should be banned – Mary Assunta. Malay Mail Online 4 October 2015. I have given this a harsh-but-fair review here: Critique of article: E-cigarettes should be banned – Mary Assunta
Senate Economics Legislation Committee inquiry into personal choice and community
August 2015: Australia
Letter
Submission to Australian Senate inquiry into personal choice and community (also referred to as the Nanny State) for its strand on tobacco and e-cigarettes. With David Sweanor, Ron Borland, Lynn Kozlowski.
Open letter to Government of Singapore
June 2015: Singapore
Letter
Mrs. Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary (Health) setting out the case against banning e-cigarettes. See blog: Singapore law protects the most dangerous nicotine products, bans the safest – why?
Submission to Hong Kong Panel on Health Services of Legislative Council
June 2015: Hong Kong
Letter
As Hong Kong considers banning e-cigarettes. Professor Stimson and I argue the contrary case [Mandarin translation by local activists]. See blog: Hong Kong health department moves decisively to protect the cigarette trade
Complaint to the BMA
April 2015: United Kingdom
Letter
Detailed critique and formal complaint about false and irresponsible radio comments about e-cigarettes by British Medical Association spokesman, Dr George Rae. See blog: Regulator gives irresponsible doctors green light to say false and harmful things to the public