Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute

Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding scientific research on the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke. Established in response to the unique occupational hazards faced by flight attendants during the era when smoking was permitted on airplanes, FAMRI has expanded its mission to include a broader understanding of the impacts of secondhand smoke on public health.

History

The inception of FAMRI can be traced back to a landmark legal settlement in 1991, where flight attendants filed a class-action lawsuit against major tobacco companies for health issues attributed to exposure to secondhand smoke in aircraft cabins. The settlement, which did not admit liability but agreed to fund research and smoking cessation programs, led to the creation of FAMRI. The institute was officially founded to utilize the settlement funds to support research on diseases and medical conditions caused by secondhand smoke.

Mission

FAMRI's mission is to sponsor and disseminate cutting-edge research on the health effects of secondhand smoke. By funding studies across a wide range of medical and scientific disciplines, FAMRI aims to uncover the full extent of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure and to inform public health policies and practices.

Research Areas

FAMRI supports research in several key areas related to secondhand smoke exposure, including but not limited to:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Lung cancer
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Effects on children's health
• Impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

Grants and Funding

FAMRI provides grants to researchers and institutions worldwide. The funding supports a variety of projects, from basic biological research to epidemiological studies and public health initiatives. FAMRI's grant programs are designed to encourage innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in understanding and mitigating the health effects of secondhand smoke.

Impact

Over the years, FAMRI-funded research has contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of the health impacts of secondhand smoke. Findings from FAMRI-supported studies have been published in prestigious medical journals and have informed public health guidelines and smoking bans in various settings, including airlines, workplaces, and public spaces.

See Also

• Tobacco smoking
• Public health
• Occupational health
• Environmental health

External Links

• [Official website of the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute]