"Tar", nicotine, and carbon monoxide content of Thai cigarettes, and implications for cancer prevention in Thailand

This report presents new findings on the very high contents of nicotine (i.e., 1.64 to 5.77 mg) and "tar" (i.e., 21.3 to 28.1 mg) in major brands of commercially produced Thai cigarettes and local tobacco used for rolled cigarettes. These nicotine levels are relevant to the addictive properties of Thai cigarettes, while the "tar" levels are related to risk of cancer of the lung and other sites. Consumption of tobacco products nearly tripled over the last 2 decades (1966 to 1987). The relative frequency of lung cancer in Thailand in 1982 was high in both urban and rural areas, with geographic differences particularly for females, and increased from 1975 to 1982 in both males and females. The important implications of cigarette contents and consumption are presented in relation to future cancer patterns and cancer prevention in Thailand. Labeling of cigarettes, in terms of "tar" and nicotine contents is needed along with educational programs dealing with the harmful and addictive effects of these substances.