Canadian medical journal calls for independent studies on taser safety

May 1, 2008
The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — A scathing editorial in the latest Canadian Medical Association Journal says the safety of Taser stun guns must be studied independently. The journal blasts Taser International, which makes the powerful weapons, for funding much of the research used to support the safety of Tasers. It reviews existing scientific studies and says there's an urgent need for new and unbiased research.

More than 300 people in North America, including 20 in Canada, have died soon after being Tasered. The electronic guns are overwhelmingly popular with police, who say they avoid injuries to suspects and officers. The medical association says Taser International has aggressively challenged researchers and coroners who've raise safety concerns.