The effects of graduated filters on smoking exposure: Risk reduction or compensation?

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of (“One-Step”) graduated filters on smoking behavior and health risk. Experiment 1 assessed the effects of the four filters on CO uptake (boost) in a smoker consuming five different brands of cigarettes. Progressive reductions in CO boost were found across graduated filters in four brands of filtered cigarettes. A non-filtered brand of cigarette did not show CO changes across the filters. Experiment 2 consisted of an evaluation of the effects of the graduated filters on smoking rate, topography and CO levels in four current smokers. Clear reductions in smoking rate and CO levels were found. Also, no compensatory topography changes resulted from the use of filters. Results are discussed in terms of the potential for significantly reducing tobacco exposure and the consequent risk reduction through employment of graduated filters.