July 10th, 2008
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This news item is more than a year old. Links, graphics, content, medical information, and statistics may be out of date. We invite you to search, visit our homepage, or contact us to find more current information on the topic you're looking for.American cigarettes more carcinogenic than other brands: CDC
Last Updated Mon, 02 Jun 2003 11:51:34
ATLANTA, GA - One of the most popular American cigarettes, Marlboro, contains twice as much cancer-causing chemicals than other brands, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
Researchers compared the carcinogen nitrosamine in Marlboros with brands in 13 other countries and found that 11 of the local brands had lower levels than Marlboros.
"What this says to us is it is possible for the manufacturer to lower the levels of this carcinogen," said David Ashley, lead researcher.
The study published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research journal concludes that the higher nitrosamine levels result from the way the tobacco is cured and blended.
Researchers compared Marlboros with another American-made cigarette, Doral, and found that they both had the same levels of nitrosamine.
Philip Morris, the company that makes Marlboros, said it is developing curing methods to reduce the nitrosamine.
"We're trying to find a way to reduce the harm associated with our products by reducing the level of harmful constituents that smokers inhale," said spokesman Brendan McCormick.
Written by CBC News Online staff