The fag's future? :: Wessex Scene Online

The fag's future?

24th November 2006

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BAT scientists based in Southampton are currently working on what has been dubbed ‘the safe cigarette’. BAT, the world’s second largest producer of cigarettes, has 150 scientists working on the project, which it hopes will put cigarettes with fewer toxicants on the market within five to ten years.

The scientists are using cell cultures to grow lung tissue that they are then covering with smoke to determine which blends of tobacco do the least damage.

David O’Reilly, BAT’s Harm Reduction Manager, says: "Smokers currently face the choice ‘quit or die,’ an impractical choice for many."

However, the idea of a ‘safe cigarette’ has drawn widespread criticism. Ash (Action on Smoking and Health) spokesman Ian Wilmore has said that the endeavour is farcical.

"You simply can’t inhale any smoke into your lungs and think it’s not going to do you any harm."