EFFECTS OF CIGARETTE-SMOKING THROUGH A PARTIALLY OCCLUDED FILTER

The effects of a commercially available corn syrup solution that is ap plied to the filter end of a cigarette causing an occlusive barrier to cigarette smoke were evaluated. The manufacturer claims that the solu tion reduces exposure to nicotine, carbon monoxide (CO), and other con stituents of tobacco smoke and may aid in smoking cessation by providi ng a means of gradual nicotine dose reduction. Nineteen volunteers (10 men) smoked commercial cigarettes treated with 0, 1, 2, or 3 drops of the corn syrup solution in a double-blind, crossover experiment. Incr eases in plasma nicotine after smelting averaged 13.3, 10.5, 9.7, and 6.0 ng/ml in the 0, 1, 2, and 3 drop conditions, respectively. In the 3 drop condition, there was a significant reduction in exhaled CO leve ls. Subjects reported increased difficulty in cigarette draw and a tre nd toward decreased strength as a function of the number of drops appl ied. Cardiovascular and EEG measures of smoking were not significantly affected by the application of the drops. Cigarettes treated with 0, 1, 2, or 3 drops of the solution were machine smoked using methods of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); nicotine yields were 1.0, 1.0, 0.7 8, and 0.73 mg of nicotine. These results indicate that Take Out drops reduce exposure to nicotine and other constituents of tobacco smoke f rom a single cigarette. (C) 998 Elsevier Science Inc.