VANCOUVER _ There is a big distinction between a Taser jolt being the cause of a death and being a contributing factor, the chairman of Taser International told an inquiry into use of the weapon Monday.

Tom Smith made the comment as he sparred with the lawyer for the inquiry who noted that statistics indicate more than 300 people _ including about 20 in Canada _ have had Taser use noted as a contributing factor in their deaths.

Smith countered that the figure included ``medical comments'' and inquests and that his understanding was that Taser had only been cited as a contributing factor about 30 times ``as a potentially contributing cause.''

``Thirty as a contributing factor,'' said lawyer Art Vertlieb.

``That's out there,'' replied Smith, whose attendance at the inquiry resulted in a meeting room packed with reporters.

``There is a difference between contributing and causing,'' he said. There is a big distinction.''

Vertlieb asked if the 30 would have ``died anyway.''

``I'm not going to guess,'' responded Smith, who travelled to the inquiry from Taser's headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz.

Smith spent part of his presentation explaining the history and development of the stun gun and mentioned Tasers were ``generally safe.''

When asked by Overtime to elaborate, Smith responded: ``They are not risk free.'' People fall down when they are hit, he added.

Could death result? asked Vertlieb.

``I would never say never.''

Smith used graphs and tables to show the inquiry that statistics suggest that Taser use reduces injuries to officers and suspects and has ``revolutionized law enforcement.''

Some 129 studies have been done on conducted energy weapons, including 20 per cent that were sponsored by Taser _ something Smith called ``fantastic.''

Smith said 350,000 police officers carry the weapons in 40 countries, and a poll of officers in the United Kingdom found 95 per cent wanted Tasers while 96 per cent did not want guns.

The inquiry, headed by Justice Thomas Braidwood, was called after the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski who died after being hit with an RCMP Taser at Vancouver International airport last October.

Vertlieb asked Smith about the term ``individual susceptibility'' that he had used during his presentation.

``It's something unforeseen,'' said Smith, adding that it means a ``higher degree of risk.''

But he said he could not provide a ``specific definition in a litigious society.''

Later, reporters asked Smith if he agreed that Dziekanski died ``in part'' because he was hit by a Taser.

``Sir, we are all waiting. I'm waiting, You're waiting. We have not seen the medical examiner's (coroner's) report,'' Smith responded.

He said he would not speculate on Dziekanski's death.

He called it a ``very tragic situation. Our hearts go out to the family. I can't even begin to know what that family's going through.''

He said noted the video has been seen widely.

We're all waiting to see what the medical science comes out and says once there is a ruling on that case.''

© 2008 The Canadian Press