Where There's Smoke, There's . . .
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health "The level of nicotine that smokers typically consume per cigarette has risen 10 percent in the past six years, making it harder to quit and easier to be addicted. . . " Nicotine Levels Rose 10 Percent in Last Six Years, Report Says, NY Times, (Aug. 31, 2006) . "The study shows a steady increase in the amount of nicotine delivered to the smokers’ lungs regardless of brand, with overall yields increasing 10 percent. . . . Marlboro, Newport and Camel, delivered significantly more nicotine than they did six years ago. Nicotine consumed in Kools . . . rose 20 percent." Id. "Of the 179 brands tested in 2004, 93 percent fell into the highest range for nicotine. . . . there was no significant difference in the total nicotine delivered among full flavor, medium, light or ultralight cigarettes." Id.
One of the more fascinating aspects of the report is the description of the testing process. Cigarette filters are designed with microscopic holes which allow air to flow in and dilute the smoke when placed in a standard testing machine. However, when the holes are covered by the smoker's lips and fingers, the air flow stops and the nicotine dosage delivered is significantly increased. In short, the tobacco companies are cheating on the standard tests so they can show a lower nicotine level. Massachusetts requires more accurate testing, which includes a machine that mimics the way cigarettes are actually held by smokers.
Many of these more addictive/deadlier cigarettes are not only being sold to this country's youth, but they are bein sold throughout the rest of the world, where there are no bans or regulations on tobacco advertising and less public information concerning the hazards.
The Times' editorial (Raising Nicotine Doses, on the Sly, NY Times, Aug. 31, 2006) notes that this sort of thing would not be permitted if tobacco were regulated by the FDA, as are all other addictive drugs. It is high time Congress exercised some oversight and control over the tobacco mafia.
The complete report is available on line from the Mass. DPH at Change in Nicotine Yields, 1998-2004. Related materials prepared by the Mass. DPH are available here.
One of the more fascinating aspects of the report is the description of the testing process. Cigarette filters are designed with microscopic holes which allow air to flow in and dilute the smoke when placed in a standard testing machine. However, when the holes are covered by the smoker's lips and fingers, the air flow stops and the nicotine dosage delivered is significantly increased. In short, the tobacco companies are cheating on the standard tests so they can show a lower nicotine level. Massachusetts requires more accurate testing, which includes a machine that mimics the way cigarettes are actually held by smokers.
Many of these more addictive/deadlier cigarettes are not only being sold to this country's youth, but they are bein sold throughout the rest of the world, where there are no bans or regulations on tobacco advertising and less public information concerning the hazards.
The Times' editorial (Raising Nicotine Doses, on the Sly, NY Times, Aug. 31, 2006) notes that this sort of thing would not be permitted if tobacco were regulated by the FDA, as are all other addictive drugs. It is high time Congress exercised some oversight and control over the tobacco mafia.
The complete report is available on line from the Mass. DPH at Change in Nicotine Yields, 1998-2004. Related materials prepared by the Mass. DPH are available here.
posted by BuddhistAttorney | 7:31 PM
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