Irritant effects of cigarette and cigar smoke

The effects of a cigar and five different cigarettes were assessed in six smokers and six non-smokers by measurement of reduction in specific conductance in the first 30 s after single inhalations of smoke. Responses to the cigar and high-tar cigarette were significantly greater than those to milder cigarettes. Differences in the depth of inhalation of smoke suggested adjustment of the manner of smoking according to the irritant qualities of the smoke. These findings show that large differences between cigarette constituents can be detected in immediate airway changes and that such irritant qualities affect the way in which cigarettes are smoked. Cigar smoke produced similar responses to an unfiltered cigarette at the top of the tar and nicotine range available in the U.K.