Research from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands shows that smoking is even more harmful than cigarette packaging indicates.
In some brands, tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels are at least twice as high as manufacturers claim. In the worst cases, smoke contains up to 26 times more tar than stated on the pack.
How is this possible?
EU guidelines allow measurements with small ventilation holes in filters left open. RIVM experts argue for a more realistic approach: taping those holes shut to reflect actual smoking behavior.
A tobacco company spokesperson notes these tests compare brands, not individual exposure. They add that if new methods are mandated, maximum limits should be adjusted accordingly.
Read more about the research on the RIVM website.
