Low-nicotine regenerated smoke aerosol reduces desire for cigarettes

We have developed a method of producing an aerosol with many of the sensory qualities of cigarette smoke, but with only 3% of the tar and nicotine and none of the carbon monoxide of a typical commercial cigarette. The aerosol was generated from a suspension of 1% cigarette smoke condensate in 10% ethanol. The aerosol, generated with an ultrasonic nebulizer, resembled smoke visually but had a larger particle size than cigarette smoke (3.5 microns vs. 0.5 micron mass median diameter). Twelve smokers rated blocks of 10 puffs of aerosolized smoke solution, a popular commercial cigarette, and an unlit cigarette (control). The blocks of puffs were evaluated for sensory qualities and smoking satisfaction obtained. The rated strength of the smoke aerosol was comparable to that of the commercial cigarette. The aerosol was rated significantly more desirable and more satisfying than the control, though not as desirable as the commercial cigarette. Surprisingly, the smoke aerosol reduced self-reported desire for cigarettes as much as the commercial cigarette. This new method is a promising approach for evaluating the role of sensory cues in smoking, and it may also be useful as a clinical tool for smoking cessation.