Reported cigarette smoke values: a closer look.

Abstract

Effects of mechanical compression of the filter tips and of blocking the air channels of a special filter design on the smoke yields of brands of commercial filter cigarettes were investigated. The influence of these variables on actual uptake of smoke constituents by smokers was studied with 4 subjects. Compression of filter tips produced major increases in smoke yields for the cigarette which featured a filter tip with 4 longitudinal air channels at its periphery. Blocking of these air channels increased tar yields by 51%, nicotine by 69% and Co by 147%. Subjects who smoked the cigarette with this special filter design tended to smoke fewer cigarettes/day than when they smoked cigarettes with perforated filter tips, yet their plasma cotinine levels were significantly higher. Blood pressure and pulse rate were markedly elevated after 1st exposure to smoke from the special filter cigarette, as were plasma nicotine levels. Individuals inhaled different quantities of smoke constituents from cigarettes with reportedly similar smoke yields according to Federal Trade Commission [USA] methods. A redefinition of average smoking parameters and readjustment of standard laboratory methodology were suggested.