Nicotine and carbon monoxide exposure from inhalation of cigarillo smoke

Abstract

Background There has been an increase in the use of cigarillos in the US. People who smoke cigarillos typically also regularly smoke cigarettes (dual users). Methods We compared puffing topography, biomarkers of acute exposure [exhaled carbon monoxide (COex) and plasma nicotine] and physiologic effects from usual brand cigarette and Black & Mild cigarillo smoking in dual users (N=23) in two laboratory sessions. Results Participants (21 men) smoked an average of 17.5 cigarettes/day. Cigarillo consumption varied widely from as few as 1/week to daily. Participants were highly nicotine dependent (average FTND score: 6.3). There were statistically significant differences in smoking behavior between cigarette and cigarillo smoking in time to smoke, number of puffs, and total puff volume (all P<0.001). Average puff duration, interpuff interval average puff volume, and puff velocity did not differ between cigarettes and cigarillos. Nicotine boost was similar after both cigarettes and cigarillos. COex boost was significantly greater after cigarillo smoking compared to cigarette smoking (P<0.001). Conclusions The smoking pattern and exposure profile indicate that dual users inhale cigarillo smoke just as they inhale cigarette smoke thereby exposing themselves to considerable amounts of nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke. COex exposure results imply that cigarillo smoking may be associated with higher exposure to smoke-delivered volatile components of mainstream cigarillo smoke including carcinogens when compared to cigarettes. Impact The findings that cigarillos and cigarettes are smoked similarly in dual users are relevant to health and regulatory considerations on cigar products.

Toxicant exposure from smoking a little cigar: further support for product regulation

“…However, little cigars deliver much greater amounts of CO compared with cigarettes after adjusting for consumption. Enhanced CO generation from cigar smoke has been observed in studies from our laboratory and others,22 33 47 55 and is usually attributed to less complete combustion of the tobacco filler due to the larger diameter, more dense packing and less porous wrapping 55…”

“…Procedures have been described previously 22. Briefly, participants completed a two-visit study in which they were randomised to smoke either a Winchester little cigar (85 mm, filtered, filter-ventilated) or their own brand of cigarette at each session.…”

“…The Winchester product was chosen because it has been a market-leading brand in sales (eighth overall—3.2% market share in 2012)23 and was designed to be as close to a cigarette as legally possible 24. As in previous studies,22 25 overnight tobacco abstinence was not required prior to the experimental visits. Two postsmoking blood samples were collected to assess peak nicotine levels which may occur slightly later after little cigar compared with cigarette smoking if significant buccal absorption occurs as has been demonstrated with moist snuff 26…”

“…Thus, topography variables were compared for the first three and the last three puffs to assess temporal smoking patterns for cigarettes and little cigars. Furthermore, differences in the first three and last three puffs were observed in cigarettes, make-your-own cigarettes32 and cigarillo smoking 22. Smoking topography was measured using a SPA-D Puff Analyser (Sodim Instruments, MebTEC, Mebane, North Carolina, USA).…”

Use Behaviors, Dependence, and Nicotine Exposure Associated with Ad Libitum Cigar Smoking

“…Some studies have examined the abuse potential of cigars by assessing craving and withdrawal symptoms, and have demonstrated that cigar smoking effectively alleviates many of these symptoms. 8–12 …”