Smokers may be inhaling more nicotine, tar than they think

January 18, 2000
Web posted at: 4:08 p.m. EST (2108 GMT)

(CNN) -- Smokers may be getting twice the amount of tar and nicotine from low-tar cigarettes than previously thought, according to a study in this week's Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Current tar and nicotine measurements are based on the Federal Trade Commission's smoking machine procedures that date back to the 1930s, when all cigarettes were high in nicotine and did not have filters.

Researchers say the FTC smoking machine procedures may be wrong, and smokers may not be getting accurate information regarding the health risks of smoking.

Some smokers believe they are getting safer levels of tar and nicotine exposure with low-yield cigarettes, but the new measurements suggest smokers are getting twice as much tar and nicotine per cigarette than currently estimated.

An editorial accompanying the study said the FTC testing method gives tobacco companies the opportunity to mislead smokers and, if the study findings are confirmed, low-yield cigarettes are no safer than higher yield cigarettes.

"The brands that were delivering lower amounts of harmful components actually are not delivering lower amounts as would be expected," Mirjana Djordjevic of American Health Foundation.

The smoking machine procedure used in the new study took into account the way smokers compensate for lower tar and nicotine levels -- by inhaling more deeply and taking more puffs.

"We really need to change the way cigarettes are tested and how those results are reported," said Judith Wilkenfeld of the Committee on Tobacco Product Change.

Researchers say this study explains why deaths from lung cancer have not declined, even though the majority of smokers smoke light or low-tar and nicotine cigarettes.

"What this study has shown for the first time is people are able to manipulate the way in which they smoke so that no matter if they're smoking cigarettes on the low end of the scale or the high end of the scale, they get about the same amount of nicotine and tar and the toxins that cause cancer and other diseases," Wilkenfeld said.

Because there is no scientific evidence proving light cigarettes are safer, researchers say smokers concerned about their health should quit.

The FTC has long known its smoking machine method is flawed, and has requested the Department of Health and Human Services answer two main questions: Should a system of tar and nicotine rating continue, and if so, what changes should be made?

Answers to these questions are expected in September.