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Center for Science in the Public Interest on Drinking and on Smoking

by David J. Hanson, Ph.D.

Why does the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) attack drinking but completely ignore the disease and mortality risks of smoking?

Scientific medical research has clearly established that light to moderate drinking is associated with better health and longevity than abstaining. Drinking in moderation is good for us, unless contraindicated.

Research has also clearly demonstrated that smoking is associated with cancer, other diseases, and premature death. It shortens life by over ten years on average. Smoking is the number one health risk in the U.S.

So why does the Center for Science in the Public Interest continue its barrage of attacks on drinking while remaining completely silent about the serious threat to life and health posed by smoking?

Perhaps the answer is simple.... money. CSPI receives much money from those who are opposed to drinking., and it attacks alcohol. It has also received four grants from the Reynolds (tobacco) family interests, and it remains completely silent about the nations’ number one health problem.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest preaches a lot about integrity and seems intent on stigmatizing anyone who has ever received any money from tobacco, pharmaceutical, food, or beverage-related interests. This seems to be a blatant case of “do as we say” not “do as we do.” Apparently, CSPI thinks others are corrupted but that it isn’t.

 

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