Letter from Petros Koutrakis, Ph.D. (Harvard School of Public Health)

Harvard School of Public Health
Department of Environmental Health
Environmental Science and Engineering Program

March 20, 2001

Dear Dr. White:

A year ago the Research Management Group asked me if I was willing to review three research proposals for them. At that point I was aware that research funding was provided by the tobacco industry. However, I did not see a problem with this because my duty was simply to judge the scientific merit of these research proposals. The compensation for this was $450.00, which I have already received and donated to a non-profit philanthropic organization.

This was a sincere effort on my behalf to assist with these peer-review proposals. Honestly, I do not consider this a serious issue but to avoid any further doubts as to my motives, I will refuse to offer my services if I should be asked again in the future. I take a negative view of smoking and tobacco use and I have no ties with the tobacco industry. I trust that this letter will serve to clarify my position.

Sincerely,
Petros Koutrakis, Ph.D.
Professor of Environmental Science