Lung cancer and the changing cigarette.

Epidemiological studies have shown that the long-term smoker of low-yield cigarettes has a 20-50% lower risk of lung cancer than the smoker of high-yield cigarettes. This risk reduction is attributed to changes in the make-up of cigarettes and especially to the introduction of filter tips. Other changes relate to the use of tobaccos that produce lower smoke yields, including reconstituted and expanded tobaccos, as well as utilization of porous cigarette paper and perforated filter tips. New developments in the make-up of commercial cigarettes must be monitored in order to prevent unfavourable introductions. Although a smoke-free society should be the major public health goal, recent consumer statistics do not support this goal. Thus, a strong social case is made for further developments in the low-yield cigarette.