Tobacco contains poisonous substances that are not regulated by law
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Spanish researchers from the University of Alicante analyzed 10 brands of cigarettes and found that the concentration of certain carcinogens in them is significantly different.
Until now, these connections were not regulated by law. Restrictions were established only for nicotine, carbon monoxide and resins.
According to the current legislation, on cigarette packs a smoker can read information about the amount of nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide in order to know about not exceeding the permissible doses. However, the amount of the content of these substances is not always proportional to the level of toxicity of other compounds, and hence other parameters are required to determine the level of toxicity of tobacco products.
Scientists from the University of Alicante came to such conclusions. The results of their work are published in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology". Experts have examined gases and particulates (resins) in ten brands of cigarettes. Seven of them were presented by British or American manufacturers (Marlboro, Winston, Chesterfield, Camel, L & M, Lucky Strike and John Player), and three represented Spanish brands (Fortuna, Ducados and Nobel).
"Despite the fact that all products seem to be the same, there is a difference, and it is in contrast to the relative content of certain carcinogenic and highly toxic substances in milligrams per cigarette," says study co-author Maria Isabelle Beltran.
According to the study, the proportions of various compounds in cigarettes of different brands are within the normal range. But there are some substances that can exceed the permissible dose, for example, isoprene, crotonaldehyde and toluene. These substances are the most harmful and carcinogenic.
A similar situation occurs in the case of particulates. The content of hazardous substances such as cotinine and hydroquinone in certain brands of cigarettes is higher than in others.
Also, scientists noted that cigarettes, where tobacco is more, are tightened usually less due to better compacted tobacco and, consequently, less oxygen.
The level of carbon monoxide in cigarettes of Spanish manufacturers turned out to be average, and in one of the brands it exceeded the permissible level - instead of 10 mg, 11.1 mg were found in the cigarette.