Charcoal Filtered Cigarettes for Smoking
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assess how charcoal-filtered cigarettes influence smokers' perceptions, habits, and exposure to harmful tobacco substances. Participants will use either charcoal-filtered or regular-filtered cigarettes to determine any differences in smoking behavior and toxin exposure. The trial is ideal for individuals who have smoked at least five non-menthol cigarettes daily for the past six months and are not attempting to quit. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding smoking behaviors and potential harm reduction.
What prior data suggests that charcoal-filtered cigarettes are safe?
Research shows that charcoal filters in cigarettes might lower exposure to some harmful substances, potentially improving health for those who switch. Some studies have found that charcoal filters can make cigarettes taste smoother, increasing their appeal and giving the impression of filtering out more toxic chemicals.
However, the safety data remains unclear. Although some findings suggest possible benefits, switching to charcoal-filtered cigarettes does not eliminate the risks of smoking. Studies primarily focus on how these filters alter the smoking experience and perceived safety, rather than providing proven health benefits.
In summary, while charcoal filters might reduce exposure to certain harmful substances, smoking any type of cigarette still poses serious health risks. Consider these factors when deciding to join a study or change smoking habits.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because charcoal-filtered cigarettes could potentially reduce exposure to harmful chemicals compared to conventional cigarettes. Most traditional cigarettes use standard filters, which may not effectively trap certain toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke. However, charcoal filters are designed to absorb and reduce these toxins, potentially making smoking less harmful. While smoking is still dangerous, this approach aims to offer a comparatively safer alternative for those who choose to smoke. By exploring these options, researchers hope to better understand how filter type affects health risks associated with smoking.
What evidence suggests that charcoal-filtered cigarettes could affect smoking behaviors and exposure to cigarette harms?
Research has shown that charcoal filters in cigarettes may help reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals. In this trial, participants will join different treatment arms to evaluate the effects of charcoal filters. For the NAS Sky charcoal-filtered cigarettes arm, studies suggest they might lower chemical exposure compared to other brands, potentially reducing health risks for those who switch. Similarly, participants in the Tareyton charcoal cigarettes arm may experience significant reductions in dangerous chemicals like carbonyls, with reductions ranging from 48% to 95%. While these findings are promising, charcoal filters have less effect on nicotine levels, reducing them by about 33% with high amounts of charcoal. Overall, charcoal filters might make smoking slightly less harmful, but they don't eliminate the risks completely.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Melissa Mercincavage, PhD
Principal Investigator
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adult smokers (21+) who smoke at least 5 non-menthol cigarettes daily and have done so for the past 6 months. They should not be trying to quit or undergoing cessation treatment, must speak English fluently, and can consent to study rules.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants smoke their preferred brand of cigarettes to establish baseline smoking behaviors
Treatment
Participants smoke either charcoal-filtered or non-charcoal-filtered cigarettes and attend weekly sessions for assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Charcoal filtered cigarettes
Trial Overview
The study compares charcoal-filtered cigarettes with and without marketing against regular non-charcoal filtered ones. It looks at how they affect smoker's perceptions, habits, and exposure to harmful substances over a 4-week period with weekly lab sessions.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Charcoal-filtered cigarettes
Charcoal-filtered cigarettes
Conventional-filtered cigarettes
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Citations
Acute effects of charcoal filters and package color on ...
Charcoal filters may reduce exposure to some toxicants, suggesting improved health outcomes for those who switch to these cigarettes, but data ...
Study Details | NCT05157048 | Acute Effects of Cigarette ...
This single laboratory session pilot study will examine the acute effects of cigarette filter type and packaging on initial product perceptions, use, ...
Organic, Earth-Friendly Tobacco With a Charcoal Filter and ...
Many believed cigarettes with charcoal filters could confer benefits relative to other cigarettes, such as reducing chemical exposure, and being cleaner/purer ...
Acute Effects of Cigarette Packaging and Charcoal ...
This single laboratory session pilot study will examine the acute effects of cigarette filter type and packaging on initial product perceptions, use, ...
Organic, Earth-Friendly Tobacco With a Charcoal Filter and ...
The outcome is agreeing Natural American Spirit (NAS) Sky cigarettes provide somewhat or a lot less chemical exposure than other brands. In ...
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researchwithrutgers.com
researchwithrutgers.com/en/projects/a-randomized-trial-of-charcoal-filtered-cigarettes-on-product-per/A randomized trial of charcoal-filtered cigarettes on product ...
A randomized trial of charcoal-filtered cigarettes on product perceptions, smoking behaviors, and toxicant exposure.
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