Tobacco Harm Reduction and Perception of Risk

2006 Research Symposium on Tobacco Science and Health

March 9-10, 2006

Hotel Sacher, Wien
Philharmoniker Strasse 4
A-1010 Vienna, Austria

Hosted by:
Institute For Science And Health, St. Louis, MO, USA

The health effects of tobacco-product usage have been a major topic of discussion and controversy for decades. Legislation in numerous communities worldwide has impacted the use of tobacco products in both public and workplace settings. Additionally, significant tobacco cessation efforts intended to minimize and deter usage of tobacco-based products have been underway for years. Despite these enviable efforts, millions of humans continue use these types of products daily.

Thus, the scientific community must address issues surrounding the needs of those that continue to use tobacco products. These needs are twofold. We need to obtain a better understanding of the rationale underlying the end-users' usage of tobacco products and their perception of risk. In addition, we need to determine how to provide a healthier environment for those who continue to use tobacco products, regardless of their rationale.

It is with these goals in mind that the Institute For Science And Health is hosting a Research Symposium titled Tobacco Harm Reduction and Perception of Risk. Topics for general discussion and future tobacco science research are: 1) investigation of environmental and genetic factors that influence disease susceptibility; 2) assessment and identification of emerging risk factors related to carcinogenesis and tobacco-related diseases; 3) discussion on tobacco harm reduction strategies as they apply to both combustible and smokeless tobacco-based products; 4) identification and discussion of the current perceptions of risk pertaining to tobacco products; and 5) assessment and validation of new "intelligent biomarkers of harm" and their implications for the betterment of human health.

The Symposium format will include plenary sessions by invited presenters, platform, and poster presentations. The conference will include a Career Development Award competition for eligible "Young Investigators". All participants will have the opportunity to gain a better and more useful understanding of differing perspectives pertaining to these important issue sets, and will have an integral role in discussions leading to the development of a forward-looking research agenda that will become the foundation of future research program directions and initiatives.

Symposium Abstract Booklet

To download an Abstract Booklet from the 2006 Research Symposium (available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format) please click here.

Support for this conference provided by:

• Institute For Science And Health