Ventilated cigarette

Ventilated Cigarette

A ventilated cigarette is a type of cigarette that is designed to reduce the amount of smoke, tar, and nicotine that a smoker inhales. This is achieved through the use of ventilation holes in the cigarette filter, which dilute the smoke with air.

Design and Function

The design of a ventilated cigarette includes a filter with small perforations or ventilation holes. These holes allow air to mix with the smoke as it is drawn through the filter, diluting the concentration of harmful substances. The number and size of the holes can vary, affecting the level of ventilation and thus the strength of the cigarette.

Health Implications

While ventilated cigarettes are marketed as a "lighter" or "lower tar" option, research has shown that they may not significantly reduce the health risks associated with smoking. This is because smokers often compensate for the lower smoke yield by inhaling more deeply, covering the ventilation holes with their fingers or lips, or smoking more cigarettes. This phenomenon is known as compensatory smoking.

Regulation and Controversy

The marketing of ventilated cigarettes has been controversial due to claims of reduced harm. In many countries, including the United States, the use of terms such as "light" and "mild" in cigarette marketing has been banned. However, ventilated cigarettes are still widely available and their design features are not typically regulated.

See Also

• Cigarette filter
• Tobacco smoking
• Compensatory smoking
• Tobacco advertising