Smoking behaviour and toxin exposure during six weeks use of a potential reduced exposure product: Omni.
OBJECTIVE
To determine smoking behaviour, acceptability, and toxin exposure when smokers switch to the potential reduced exposure product-Omni cigarette.


METHODS
12 week randomised, crossover study of Omni versus own cigarettes.


METHODS
19 light/ultralight and 15 regular smokers.


RESULTS
Cigarettes/day, smoking topography, craving, withdrawal symptoms, urinary cotinine plus its glucuronide (total cotinine), nicotine plus its glucuronide (total nicotine), and carcinogen metabolites (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol plus its glucuronides and 1-hydroxypyrene).


RESULTS
When switched to Omni, smokers smoked the same number of cigarettes/day, smoked Omni cigarettes less intensely (total puff volume = -11%) and had slightly lower total cotinine (-18%) levels than their own cigarettes, but had a slightly greater carbon monoxide boost/cig (+21%). Craving and withdrawal ratings were similar with Omni and own cigarettes. Carcinogen metabolite levels were somewhat but not significantly lower with Omni. About half of smokers rated Omni as better for their health and about two thirds stated it was weaker and worse tasting than their own cigarettes.


CONCLUSIONS
Although Omni may be an adequate behavioural and pharmacological substitute for traditional cigarettes, it may not decrease carcinogen exposure and may increase carbon monoxide. Replications with larger sample sizes and longer follow up are needed. These results indicate the need for regulation of reduced exposure and reduced risk claims.
Hughes
J R
JR
University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry, Burlington 05401-1419, USA. john.hughes@uvm.edu <john.hughes@uvm.edu>
Hecht
S S
SS
Carmella
S G
SG
Murphy
S E
SE
Callas
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003367:Cotinine / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012906:Smoke / Q000032:analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology / Q000652:urine; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000032:analysis*
D012906:Smoke; D014118:Toxins, Biological; D009538:Nicotine; D003367:Cotinine