Menthol Addition to Cigarettes Using Breakable Capsules in the Filter. Impact on the Mainstream Smoke Yields of the Health Canada List Constituents

Effect of Capsule Burst in Cigarette Filters on the Compound Composition of Mainstream Cigarette Smoke

The number of cigarette capsule users is increasing; however, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation comparing the harmfulness of capsule and non-capsule cigarettes, particularly concerning the composition of flavor components and mainstream smoke, is lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of capsule burst on the compound composition of mainstream smoke by quantifying the Hoffmann list and flavor (geraniol, eugenol, menthofuran, and pulegone) in mainstream smoke with and without crushing the capsules. The findings indicate that while tar values tended to increase when the capsules were burst, there was no significant change observed in the other Hoffmann list components, such as nicotine, benzo[α]pyrene, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aromatic amines, and phenolics. However, when the capsules burst, menthofuran and pulegone, which were present in the capsule and could cause toxicity, were found in the mainstream smoke via the International Standard Organization (1.5-4.0 μg/cig and 5.13-6.00 μg/cig smoking regime) and Health Canada Intense (12.8-18.2 μg/cig and 22.77-24.67 μg/cig smoking regime). Therefore, understanding the capsule composition is important, as the toxic components of the capsules can be inhaled as smoke, posing a potential health risk.

Tobacco industry strategies for flavour capsule cigarettes: analysis of patents and internal industry documents

BACKGROUND

The global market for flavour capsule variants (FCVs), cigarettes with a crushable flavour capsule, has grown exponentially. To inform further regulatory efforts, it is important to understand tobacco industry strategies for FCVs.

METHODS

Analysis of data from 65 patents and 179 internal tobacco industry documents, retrieved via snowball searches in Patsnap and the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Library, describing tobacco industry developments related to FCVs. We used an inductive coding method to identify themes relating to FCV features or developments.

RESULTS

Tobacco companies were developing FCVs since the 1960s, with little market success until the 2000s following the launch of Camel Crush, a brand which targeted millennials (in their teens or early 20s at the time). Tobacco companies have patented, but not yet marketed, FCVs with microcapsule surface coatings, adjustable or heat-triggered flavour release systems, airflow manipulation features, transparent filters to visualise flavour release, and various flavours and additives for capsules including nicotine/tobacco extracts for an on-demand nicotine hit. Tobacco companies developed FCVs purported to be reduced harm, although their own tests showed that FCVs have higher toxicant concentrations. They have also developed loose flavour capsule units designed to fit into cigarettes, packs, or recessed filters to enable users to customise cigarettes and circumvent tobacco flavour bans.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent tobacco companies from targeting young people and exploiting regulatory loopholes, regulations on tobacco products should ban flavours and consider the broad variety of FCV designs, additives and loose products designed to impart flavour into tobacco products.

Marketing of flavour capsule cigarettes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to identify marketing elements of flavour capsule variants (FCVs), cigarettes that release flavour when a capsule(s) embedded in the filter is crushed.

DATA SOURCES

A search of original research without restrictions in publication year, population, study design or language using a combination of cigarette and capsule terms was conducted across four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus), indexed until 13 December 2021, along with a citation search.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they presented original research relevant to marketing features of FCVs.

DATA EXTRACTION

One author performed data extraction and coded outcomes based on '4Ps' of marketing mix theory: product, place, price and promotion. The second author conducted a cross-check.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 2436 unduplicated database records and 30 records from other sources, 40 studies were included in the review. Studies were published between 2009 and 2021. Study methodologies primarily included content analysis of cigarette packs/sticks, review of tobacco industry documents and content analysis of advertising information. Findings suggest FCVs are marketed using a mix of strategies, particularly characterised by product innovation, timing market launches around tobacco policies, point-of-sale advertising and packaging to communicate a high-tech, customisable and flavourful product.

CONCLUSION

Findings illuminate the marketing strategies of FCVs that are likely driving their global growth, particularly among young people and in low and middle-income countries. Comprehensive tobacco control regulations are needed to close loopholes and curb industry efforts to circumvent existing policies in order to mitigate uptake of FCVs and other product innovations.

Volatile organic compounds released in the mainstream smoke of flavor capsule cigarettes

In this study, the composition of mainstream smoke was investigated with an emphasis on a list of volatile organic compounds (VOCs: e.g., isoprene, acrylonitrile, methyl ethyl ketone, benzene, toluene, m-xylene and styrene) using the two types of flavor capsule cigarettes (FCCs, here coded as F1 and F2) in reference to one commercial, non-flavored (NF) and 3R4F cigarette. The concentrations of all the target compounds from FCCs were quantified under two contrasting conditions (i.e., with and without breaking the capsules). The effect of breaking the capsule was apparent in the FCC products with the enhancement of VOC levels, specifically between after and before breaking the capsules (e.g., 1.10-1.58 folds (benzene) and 1.30-1.53 folds (acetonitrile)). Such increases were apparent in both FCC samples if assessed in terms of the total amount of VOCs (TVOC): (1) F1 (from 2159 to 2530 μg cig-1 (p = 9.42 × 10-6)) and (2) F2 (from 1470 to 2014 μg cig-1 (p = 0.05)). In addition, these TVOC levels determined from the FCCs were 1.62- to 1.83- and 1.29- to 1.46-fold higher than those of the NF cigarette and the 3R4F cigarette, respectively. Thus, these FCC products are suspected to play a role as stronger sources of VOCs than the general cigarette products.

Menthol and flavored tobacco products in LMICs: A growing menace

INTRODUCTION

High income jurisdictions are banning menthol/flavored cigarettes and other tobacco products because they attract young people and create dependence. This study explores the importance of menthol and other flavored tobacco products for tobacco markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifies countries where the menthol/flavor share is particularly high or rapidly growing, and identifies strategies tobacco companies are using to develop menthol/flavor markets.

METHODS

Research involved analysis of menthol/flavor market data from 2005 to 2019, a systematic review of academic literature, and a scoping exercise with our advocate contacts in LMICs.

RESULTS

The median menthol/capsule market share of the cigarette market grew significantly (p<0.05) between 2005 and 2019, both in lower and upper middle-income countries [lower: 2.5% (IQR: 0.5-4.0) to 6.5% (IQR: 3.6-15.9); and upper: 4.0% (IQR: 0.8-9.8) to 12.3% (IQR: 3.5-24.3)]. Countries with both high market share and high market share growth were Russia, Guatemala, Peru and Nigeria. No market data were available on low-income countries, but the academic literature suggested high prevalence of menthol use in Zambia. Tobacco industry strategies underpinning growth of menthol/flavored tobacco use in LMICs included in-store marketing and display, colorful packs and non-conventional flavor names.

CONCLUSIONS

Menthol/flavor tobacco products are a growing problem in LMICs. In addition to menthol/flavor bans, we recommend marketing bans, point of sale display bans and standardized packaging.

Mainstream smoke constituents and in vitro toxicity comparative analysis of 3R4F and 1R6F reference cigarettes

A new Kentucky reference cigarette, 1R6F, has been manufactured to replace the depleting 3R4F reference cigarette. The 3R4F Kentucky reference cigarettes have been widely used as monitor or comparator cigarettes for mainstream smoke analysis and in vitro and in vivo toxicological data of cigarettes and novel tobacco products. Both reference cigarettes were analyzed in the same laboratory during the same period of time with the goal of performing a comparison of 3R4F and 1R6F. On the basis of the results obtained from aerosol chemistry and in vitro assays, we consider that the 1R6F reference cigarette is a suitable replacement for the 3R4F reference cigarette as a comparator/monitor cigarette. Its specific use as a comparator for novel tobacco products was checked on the basis of a comparative test with the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 as an example.

Investigation of menthol content and transfer rates in cigarettes and Tobacco Heating System 2.2

Menthol cigarettes account for a significant market share in many countries. However, little recent data exists on menthol levels in cigarettes and in mainstream smoke, limited to some markets or specific cigarette designs, such as cigarettes containing capsules filled with flavoring liquids. Samples of mentholated cigarettes bought worldwide with a variety of cigarette designs were analyzed for menthol content in cigarettes and in cigarette mainstream smoke with two analytical machine smoking regimes. A wide range of menthol content in cigarettes, from 1 to 22 mg/cigarette, was observed. The transfer of menthol to the cigarette mainstream smoke was generally slightly higher than the transfer of nicotine, with a range of 17%-40% using an intense smoking regime and 1%-17% using the ISO smoking regime. For the Tobacco Heating System (THS) 2.2, the menthol content was 12.8 mg/stick, and the transfer of menthol into the aerosol was about 17% with the ISO intense smoking regime, similar to the transfer of nicotine. The menthol content of the novel product THS 2.2 corresponds to the midpoint of the menthol content range of cigarettes, and the transfer of menthol to its aerosol is in the low range of cigarette menthol transfer.

[Understand the tobacco industry's strategy for recruiting teens: Lessons from a 1973 marketing document]

For years, the tobacco industry has organized the inoculation of tobacco addiction to adolescents.

METHOD

The analysis of a 1973 RJReynols^® document identified ten physical and psychological factors in order to increase the number of young users for a brand of cigarettes. These young people are classified into three groups: pre-smokers, learners and smokers.

RESULT

The taste for pre-smokers and learners and nicotine for smokers are main physical parameters. The industry clearly knows that tobacco is mainly consumed because of nicotine addiction, so it is necessary to make adolescents addict. It is interesting to note that cigarette pack was in 1973 a positive factor to attract young smokers, whereas now with the arrival of the neutral packaging, the tobacco industry declares that packaging has no influence to attract teenagers ! Of the psychological factors, the only negative factor is the self-image of the smoker. The tobacco industry already recognized in 1973 that smokers were unhappy about smoking. For learners, self-image and the experience of adults are most important factor, which is why the industry strives to create a positive image and convey message that smoking initiation is a ritual to become adult. According to the tobacco industry, stress and alleviation of boredom are also important points in turning pre-smokers into learners and learners into smokers.

CONCLUSION

This article aims to provide practical tools for understanding industry initiatives targeting adolescents. The attached tool can be used by the teens or adults involved to understand the optimization of teenagers tobacco marketing.

Quantitative analysis of menthol and identification of other flavoring ingredients in capsule cigarettes marketed in Korea

Currently, capsule cigarettes have been introduced by tobacco industries and their sales have increased exponentially. However, the capsule flavoring ingredients and their safety are still unknown. Although the contents of menthol and other ingredients directly added to cigarettes have been determined extensively, no analogous study exists for menthol-containing cigarette capsules. Basic physical properties of capsules in all 31 different capsule cigarettes commercially available in Korea were investigated, and their menthol contents were determined in this study. Other ingredients in these capsules were also qualitatively analyzed; methyl octanoate, menthone and isopulegol as well as menthol were detected in all the capsules. There is considerable variability in basic physical properties and menthol contents of cigarette capsules depending on their brand styles. The menthol contents of capsules and whole cigarettes are similar or higher than those previously reported for conventional menthol cigarettes. This is the first report on the physical properties of capsules and the fact that a wide range of menthol contents in capsule cigarettes, regardless of flavor types, allows smokers to select menthol content to their liking.

Cigarette Design Features: Effects on Emission Levels, User Perception, and Behavior

Objectives

This paper describes the effects of non-tobacco, physical cigarette design features on smoke emissions, product appeal, and smoking behaviors - 3 factors that determine smoker's exposure and related health risks.

Methods

We reviewed available evidence for the impact of filter ventilation, new filter types, and cigarettes dimensions on toxic emissions, smoker's perceptions, and behavior. For evidence sources we used scientific literature and websites providing product characteristics and marketing information.

Results

Whereas filter ventilation results in lower machine-generated emissions, it also leads to perceptions of lighter taste and relative safety in smokers who can unwittingly employ more intense smoking behavior to obtain the desired amount of nicotine and sensory appeal. Filter additives that modify smoke emissions can also modify sensory cues, resulting in changes in smoking behavior. Flavor capsules increase the cigarette's appeal and novelty, and lead to misperceptions of reduced harm. Slim cigarettes have lower yields of some smoke emissions, but smoking behavior can be more intense than with standard cigarettes.

Conclusions

Physical design features significantly impact machine-measured emission yields in cigarette smoke, product appeal, smoking behaviors, and exposures in smokers. The influence of current and emerging design features is important in understanding the effectiveness of regulatory actions to reduce smoking-related harm.

Overexpression of miR-519d in lung adenocarcinoma inhibits cell proliferation and invasion via the association of eIF4H

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer worldwide due to its high mortality rate. Adenocarcinoma constitutes 20%-30% of all lung cancers. In recent years, studies on the mechanisms of lung tumorigenesis and development have in part focused on the microRNAs for their crucial role in the progress of different cancers. As for our study, we demonstrated that miR-519d was differently downregulated and eIF4H was significantly overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma via the detection of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction compared with the adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, xenograft tumor experiment, Ki67 immunohistochemistry assay and transwell assay were performed to explain that the upregulated miR-519d could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells. To further advance our understanding of the mechanisms of miR-519d, we performed the bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase report assay. The results from these procedures revealed eIF4H to be one of the targets of miR-519d. Downregulated eIF4H was analogous to the overexpressed miR-519d obtained from miR-519d agomir and si-eIF4H transfection. In summary, it can be concluded that miR-519d targets eIF4H in lung adenocarcinoma to inhibit cell proliferation and invasion. This mechanism may offer new insights into the tumorigenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma.

Sustained Dye Release Using Poly(urea-urethane)/Cellulose Nanocrystal Composite Microcapsules

The aim of this study is to develop methods to reinforce polymeric microspheres with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to make eco-friendly microcapsules for a variety of applications such as medicines, perfumes, nutrients, pesticides, and phase change materials. Surface hydrophobization treatments for CNCs were performed by grafting poly(lactic acid) oligomers and fatty acids (FAs) to enhance the dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymeric shell. Then, a straightforward process is demonstrated to design sustained release microcapsules by the incorporation of the modified CNCs (mCNCs) in the shell structure. The combination of the mCNC dispersion with subsequent interfacial polyurea (PU) to form composite capsules as well as their morphology, composition, mechanical properties, and release rates were examined in this study. The PU microcapsules embedded with the mCNC were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphologies of the microcapsules were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The rupture stress and failure behavior of the microcapsules were determined through single-capsule compression tests. Oil-soluble Sudan II dye solution in mineral oil was utilized as a model hydrophobic fill, representing other latent fills with low partition coefficients, and their encapsulation efficiency was measured spectroscopically. The release rates of the encapsulated dye from the microcapsules were examined spectroscopically by both ethanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol medium at room temperature. The concentration of released dye was determined by using UV-vis absorption spectrometry (UV-vis). The mCNC embedded poly(urea-urethane) capsules have strong and dense walls, which function as excellent barriers against leakage due to their extended diffusion path length and ensure enough mechanical strength from rupture for handling or postprocessing.

Cigarette brands with flavour capsules in the filter: trends in use and brand perceptions among smokers in the USA, Mexico and Australia, 2012-2014

OBJECTIVE

To describe trends, correlates of use and consumer perceptions related to the product design innovation of flavour capsules in cigarette filters.

METHODS

Quarterly surveys from 2012 to 2014 were analysed from an online consumer panel of adult smokers aged 18-64, living in the USA (n=6865 observations; 4154 individuals); Mexico (n=5723 observations; 3366 individuals); and Australia (n=5864 observations; 2710 individuals). Preferred brand varieties were classified by price (ie, premium; discount) and flavour (ie, regular; flavoured without capsule; flavoured with capsule). Participants reported their preferred brand variety's appeal (ie, satisfaction; stylishness), taste (ie, smoothness, intensity), and harm relative to other brands and varieties. GEE models were used to determine time trends and correlates of flavour capsule use, as well as associations between preferred brand characteristics (ie, price stratum, flavour) and perceptions of relative appeal, taste and harm.

RESULTS

Preference for flavour capsules increased significantly in Mexico (6% to 14%) and Australia (1% to 3%), but not in the USA (4% to 5%). 18-24 year olds were most likely to prefer capsules in the USA (10%) and Australia (4%), but not Mexico. When compared to smokers who preferred regular brands, smokers who preferred brands with capsules viewed their variety of cigarettes as having more positive appeal (all countries), better taste (all countries), and lesser risk (Mexico, USA) than other brand varieties.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that use of cigarettes with flavour capsules is growing, is associated with misperceptions of relative harm, and differentiates brands in ways that justify regulatory action.

Considerations for comparative tobacco product assessments based on smoke constituent yields

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of more than 8000 smoke constituents. The quantification of selected mainstream smoke constituent yields is one of the methods to evaluating and comparing the performance of different products. Numerous regulatory and scientific advisory bodies have used cigarette smoke constituent yield data for reporting and product comparison purposes. For more than a decade limitations of the indiscriminate application of traditional statistical methods such as the t-test for differences in comparative smoke constituent yield assessments lacking a specific study design, have been highlighted. In the present study, the variability of smoke constituent yields is demonstrated with data obtained under the ISO smoking regime for the Kentucky reference cigarette 3R4F and one commercial brand, analyzed on several occasions between 2007 and 2014. Specifically it is shown that statistically significant differences in the yields of selected smoke constituents do not readily translate to differences between products, and that tolerances need to be defined. To this end, two approaches have been proposed in the literature--minimal detectable differences, and the statistical equivalence. It is illustrated how both approaches provide more meaningful comparison outcomes than the statistical t-test for differences. The present study provides considerations relevant for comparative tobacco product assessments both in the scientific and regulatory contexts.

Novel menthol releaser derived from as-synthesized mesoporous silica

Menthol could be adsorbed in as-synthesized MCM-41 at 373 K, open stored in ambient for 30 days and released at 333 K.