15514. Misleading Statistics on the Health Risks of Second-Hand Smoking. Although there are clearly health risks associated with smoking, the paper argues that the statistical data used to support policies to ban public smoking are often "manipulated" (i.e., the studies contain methodological flaws, misrepresentations or exaggerations). It is concluded that more impartial studies are needed in order to better guide policy in the future. 6 pages, 9 footnotes, 5 bibliographic sources.