The less harmful cigarette

Abstract

Risk assessment shows that the adverse effects of cigarette smoking on human health are clearly related to the total consumption of cigarettes. Such dose-response is evident from data on the incidence of lung and larynx cancer and is also supported by results from bioassays with Syrian golden hamsters and mice. The concept of a less harmful cigarette, therefore, involves primarily a reduction of the quantities of tar and nicotine in cigarette smoke. The identification of tumorigenic and toxic tobacco smoke constituents and the study of their formation during smoking has guided the development of products with 40–60% reduction of sales-weighted tar and nicotine levels in most western countries. These changes have been effected mainly through development of efficient filter tips, through selection of specific tobacco types, and modifications in tobacco blends, including the technology of reconstituted tobacco preparation. This presentation discusses details of the development of cigarettes with reduced levels of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide. It is emphasized that the risk for diseases associated with tobacco usage can be eliminated only by abstention from smoking, but that a risk reduction through product modification has been achieved and may be further improved.