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BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290337

CLTEGOHY ~ Smoking and Hea!:h - ~io-assay Results 4969
It was suggested that the U.K. representatives
should emphasize at the T.S.C. "Skin-Painting Conference"
their interest in the T~/~29 comparison. This appears
to be a significant alteration in mouse-skin bioassay
reaction brought about by an alteration in tobacco
composition. T.R.C. are hampered in following this
up by the practical difficulties of specifying the
actual compositions of T~ and T29. The Conference
agreed to invite T.S.C. to communicate their findings
to Dr. Griffith of the University of Kentucky, explaining
why they could not follow them up and hoping that the
University of Kentuc}D" would use the wide ranse of
tobaccos at their disposal, of kno~ genetic origin,
to investigate how great a variation in "mouse-skin
reaction" could occur within a conventional classification,
e.g. Virginian flue-cured,~Burley, Oriental, etc. Followin~
a discussion of the differences in the bioassay results on
T.R.C. samples T~ and T29, Dr. Huy~hes agre@d to produce a
paper on the laboratory tests which could be made to
investigate t~h_is.
Fractionation experiments at Harrosate The Conference
devoted some time to considering the value of this line
of research. They took note of the T.S.C. paper E. q628,.
which attempted to set out the objectives. The general
opinion was that this work should be continued in the hope
that it would be possible to identify specific initiators
and promoters.
Herr Sottorf reviewed the Lokstedt I Programme, and
.mentioned that the Lokstedt II Programme would include
different reconstituted tobaccos; it is not yet clear
when these results would be published.
~. Wade outlined the new pro~ects which the Canadian
Industry would be supporting at McGill University and
the University of Montreal. Dr. Felton agreed to ensure
that Montreal were kept informed of similar studies by
Dr. Fletcher and others supported by T.R.C.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290338

CATEGORY ~ 2. ~969
The position in the United States, with respect
to the gas phase, was discussed, and the general
opinion is that this will become an important issue,
and that some publication of the analytical results
for certain gas phase constituents will be made within
the near future - possibly within one year. It was
guessed that the constituents which would be measured
would be selected from the following: acrolein,
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, sulpher dioxide, nitrosamines,
formic acid, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide,
hydrogen cyanide, and phenols. It is likely this will
lead to great activity in the areas of charcoal ~nd
water filters. Dr. Sanford undertook to produce a
list of analytical methods and their costs, and methods
of removal; Dr. Felton will consider toxicity aspects
and nhe Droblem of estimatin5 the overall toxicity of
the ~as phase.
"Bridging the Gap" The Conference agreed that this was
an exlperimental problem which could be specified ~nd
attacked experimentally. They accepted that to make a
start cn this, it was necessary to set up some hypothet±cal
model of how smoke aerosol could cause cancer in the basal
cells of the human lumg epithelium. They accepted that
the view advanced by Sir Charles Ellis could form one
such hypothesis, and could form a basis for an investigation.
In broad terms, they supported an investigation into the
absorption of smoke constituents by the mucus of the ituug,
the identification of what was absorbed, and what changes
occurred in time. They recognized the significance of
studying the effects on the basal cells of such a modified
mucus blanket, but realised that it constituted a major
and difficult research pro~ect that lay beyond the
resources currently available to members.
o
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290339

CATEGORY Q 3. ~969
Short-term toxicit~ ~nd other tests Historically,
bioassay experiments were undertaken by the Industry
with the object of clarifying the role of smoke
constituents in pulmonary carcinogenesis. The most
widely used of these methods, mouse-skin painting,
proved onerous and time-consuming, and therefore
e)~ensive to carry out and attempts were made to find
"short-term tests". Many such have been proposed and
developed, and it is important to note that they were
regarded and assumed as more speedy tests for carcinogenesis,
or at the least as screening tests for which samples
should go forward to long-term painting tests.
however, it began to be appreciated that the physiological
effects of smoke aerosol in the broad field of "bronchitis"
were important in their own right, as distinct from
carcinogenic effects, it became apparent that some of
the short-term tests might be more directly relevant
to this phenomenon.
Thus the curre$ ~ position is dominated by the uncertainty
of ~he role of the short-term tests, and the profound
effect tha~ the resolution of this uncertainty would
have on the use of mouse-skin painting.
A priori, it seems unlikely that a short-term test can
give relevant indications on what is essentially a
long-term process, unless and until we can identify
the early cellular changes leadin~ to carcinogenesis.
At present, this is not in sight.
On the other hand, long-term and short-term are
descriptive phrases which must be interpreted in
relation to .the life cycle of the organism being --~
studied, and there is a possibility that the experiments o
taking place at R. ~ud D. Southampton, with the membrane ~
of the chicken embryo might be showing genuine carcinogenic ~m
effects in days. -m~
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290340

CATEGORY d a. q969
6.cont. The conclusion of the Conference was that at
the present time the Industry had to recognize the
possibility of distinct adverse health reactions
to smoke aerosol :
(a) Lung Cmucer
(b) Emphysema and bronchitis
a~.d present and future bioassay tests could
usefully be classified according to their
applicability to one or other or to both.
The hyperplasia test hss been developed into a
dependable empirical tec~ique that can be used
to grade smoke condens~tes. It shows a high but
not complete correlation with mouse-skin bioassay.
it is probably closely related to "bronchitic effects"
but the nature of this relation is not understood.
The sebaceous gland tecfanique has been studied
intensively and there is a body of expert opinion
which considers that it is possible that it may
correlate closely with longer-term carcinogenic
effects. The majority of the other many biological
reactions that have been studied seem more related
to immediate toxic effects than anything else. The
Conference took note with interest of B.A.T.
(Hamburg) experiments and also of
collaboration with Professor Lather' on s~udying
the relative amo~_nt of Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase
isoenzymes.
In an attempt to take a broad view of this complicated
situation, the Conference reached the following
conclusions:
In the foreseeable future, say five years,
mouse-skin painting would remain as the ultimate~::D
court of appeal on carcinogenic effects.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290341

7. cont. (b)
(c)
There was a possibility that short-term
cellular phenomena such as hyperplasia,
sebaceous gland suppression, alteration
in cell metabolism, reaction of chicken
embryo membrane, might develop sufficient
credibility to lighten the burden of
mouse-skin work by screening.
However, the preceeding decision developed.
it was already clear that techniques such
as hyperplasia, observation of ~oblet cell
activity, and ~uything that could be directly
related to chan6es in cell behaviourism
merited intensive study in their own right.
The immediate action agreed was:
(i) To accept ~zd use hyperplasia as an
empirical grading system of tobacco
smoke under the proviso that this
interpretation of the results was the
responsibility of the user.
(ii) To support research into the meaning and
interpretation at the cellular level of
the various short-term tests.
Dr. Green stated that hyperplasia tests could be
made available to members for about ~ ~,000 per test.
Dr. Griffith and Herr Sottorf felt that greater
sensitivity might be required before adopting this
test rountinely but Dr. Fordyce was of the opinion
that attempts at further refinement would be a waste
of time. It was agreed~ however, that, with a test
of this nature, it would be wise to take samples
with maximum differences in order to establish the
trend likely to be found with commercial samples rather
than submit proposed aud current brands.
o
o
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290342

CATEGORY ~ 6. 9969
Dr. Seehofer suggested that it was desirable ~o
discover in all short-term tests the dose level
which gave a constant and optimal response rather
th~n to assume that all dose response relationships
were linear. It was agreed to consider this in
relation to all our short-term tests.
The Conference reviewed the progress made in
reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in smoke
and aEreed that it was very unlikely that a substantial
reduction would be achieved by filtration~ and therefore
attention is being ~iven to alteration in the factors
controlling combustion conditions or overall reduction
of the gas phase by ventilation.
Following a discussion on the possible relevance of
free radicals~ Dr. Fordyce undertook to formulate a
research programme which might resolve the matter~
~ud which could be undertaken by one of the bi~er
laboratories.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290343

CATEGORY 2 Pharmacolo~Ey - ~icotine
q969
The Conference reviewed Dr. A.K. Armitage's
paper on nicotine, which confirms the intuitive
approach which has ~uided Group research on
nicotine in the past.
The Conference a~reed that all the evidence
conZinues to demonstrate the importance of
nicotine to the smoker, and a~ain emphasizes
the importance of keeping separate TPM and
nicotine £i~ures. It was suggested that all
analytical data should be reported in relation
to Zhe nicotine values.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290344

Allocation c.:' divi.~i:n :.f
7,.
]] .:..:bo:.s acreeO thst the z'r..~uit.- of all work done
c~ sa::::~!es from individual co::D=:ies could be
circu!atcd to all mcmberm of the Biological Testing
C.:~:~v:~itt~e, preferably identified by code numbers.
Dr. Green said that Zhe intention was that the
results of tests specifically paid for by a sponsor
,,,~uid not be circulated without the permission of
the sponsor.
It ',:a:: ;:rLreed that it would be helpful if bodies
m_~r'h as T.P,.G. could bc uz'g~¢ to investigate the
smoke from cigarettes made f':o::: tobacco claimed to
be free from pesticides an@ !o:.:.~r than normal in
funEal spores,
There wan a ~eneral discu.~.sion on the role played
~,-" t}~o new Research Fla:n]in< ~ection~ establiched
]'o!louin~ the last Confez',~nc~. Great e,m~'eciation...._.
was e:.:pressed all ro~d for the service beinC provided
zn, o~.n~ion, ~d p~rticularly
cn L:: ]:in~ ~nd Htelth " ' "
for the critical co:neural2.- Rrovided. The pl~nin~
nro~_~Gee far enou5h
~,cZivit$-, however,
for its usefulness to be a::c<.csed. Sir Charles Ellis
.u,,g~stcd that the various- prec,'atones, includinc
ll~,~z'oLate, LohsteCt, J~]UL, ~u-~O ]luntincdon, mi5ht be
usr.fully ~alzsed under the following headings:
(a) i.]odified
(b) Health H<'s~arch
(c) Consumer r, reference and psychological
and phyri~!oLical fsctors
(d) ~roccss Im~rovement, etc.
0
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290345

• T;~, Conference nt:'~.~,d ~) :~:.~'i:'L in this t~.~]:
~y i~:l'orminG Dr. i~c!~on of the project objectives
!i~tcd in the procra..nmc,q. The aim is ror each
laboratory to control itc own ~ork in such a ~ay
that it integrates into a total effort, so that
th~ laboratory cets ~he mo::ir.um advantage.
There was a discuccion on information retrieval
.'.,~',.C ~b.e pro~rc~ of kc~u:o:.d codinC at Louisville,
~[ nt~'oal, ][ambur5 ~n6 SZ.-Cn~V. Dr. $anford a~z'eed
',..~ ai.'-culate hi:' ]~:,y'..o~~] t~.o:aurus, and to send to
L]ul.hempton the he~-<:ords ro far abstracted from
~,. "u~] D.E. re~or, t[.. Th,- other ;nomber'n nlno n~eed
t~ circulate th~ir kej~:or£ indices.
0
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290346

CATEGORY a
S~fe Cigarette q969
A discussion followed on the criteria which might
be adopted in considering new smoking materials,
modified cigarettes with health orientation, and
changes in commercial cigarettes. It was agreed
that the criteria included:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v±)
House-skin painting
Hyperplasia tests
Chemical analyses for carbon monoxide and
other gas phase components, as well as
other chemical substances, e.g.,~ benzpyrene.
Goblet cell test
Cytotcxicity tests
Ciliastasis and parameci'am tests.
It is foreseen tha~ the use of reconstituted
tobaccos will increase both for economic reasons
and on health grounds, despite the possibility of
increased carbon monoxide production. It also
appears likely that some of the non-tobacco binding
materials are becoming more attractive. Dr. Seehofer
agreed to supply samples of cigarettes, made by a
variety of reconstruction processes from a single
blend of tobacco, for submission to the hyperplasia
and other short-term bio tests. Dr. Fordyce also
offered to send,some cigarettes containing non-tobacco
binders. Dr. Hughes suggested that R. ~nd D. might
examine the combustion characteristics by thermo
gravimetric analysis and other techniques. The
proposal that ethanol-extracted tobacco might be
combined with one of the non-tobacco binders was
accepted and Dr. Seehofer undertook to arrange a
supply of such a product at the optimal sheet thickness.
This mea~s in the long run that the basic technology
of the cigarette industry will move more into the realm
of chemical engineering, and this could have important
effects on many other Company activities.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290347

CATEGORY 4 2. q969
The Conference considered what the characteristics
of the "safest" cigarette might be, in terms of the
criteria established earlier. It would contain some
or all of the £ollowing features:
(a) Reconstituted mr.d/or non tobacco smoking
materials
(b) CRS treated by the St. Pauli or si~ilar process
(c) tobacco bearing additives to modify combustion
(d) a ~riple filter containing carbon and possibly
water, sodium carbonate, manganese dioxide
(e) possible construction as an axial and/or
ventilated cigarette
It was decided to accept as a research objective that
such a prototype cigarette should be developed. When
it is judged to have sufficient acceptibility of taste
as a prototype product, it should be manufactured
on a scale sufficient to permit complete bioassay.
Dr. Hughes agreed that R. and D.E., Southampton,
would undertake this, and Dr. Seehofer offered to
supply stems treated by the St. Pauli process.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290348

CATEGORY ~ Smoking Characteristics
~969
The Conference reviewed the progress of studies
of smoking behaviour in the U.K., U.S.A., and
Germany, carried out since the last meeting and
concluded that these were important not only
from the aspect of smoking and health~ but also
because of the light shed on market requirements.
For example, it has been indicated that smoking
consumption tends to vary with the bodyweight,
which might lead to the suggestion of lighter,
thinner cigarettes for women; there is also some
evidence that hearD" smokers tend to maintain their
intai~e of smoke constant, even when the size of the
cigarette or its delivery of TPM is changed. If
thi~ finding were to be con£i2med,.it would be a
matter of great significance, particularly in
relation to the social objectives in publishing
TP~I figures.
In view of the likelihood that smokers may modify
their smoking habits when presented with impingement
filters, ventilated and other unconventional filters,
it was suggested that these products should be
evaluated using a "slave" smoking machine and a
number of humau subjects.
A general discussion on the problems of product
design ~nd sensory assessment concluded that
professional psychology could play an important
part in this field, particularly if integrated
into research pro~ramme~ along with other disci
~lines.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290349

CATSGOEY 5 2. q969
Owing to the trend towards reduced TPM and
nicotine, it was agreed that more attention must
be ~iven to flavour. It was, however, pointed
out that in some situations the maintenance of
nicotine delivery at the normal level may overcome
taste and flavour deficiencies due to low TPM.
The use of non-tobacco materials would accentuate
this problem. The use of finely-cut tobacco and
tobacco extracts in the filter in order to enhance
the flavour are worthy of further consideration.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290350

P:'. Gr'iffith ez~rez.~ed the vie;.: that I{.E.W.
ncc~pt that a mou[c.-skin za_~c~• cigarette is a
;..'or'th:;hile objective and th~ Conference reaffir~Jed
their opinion thaZ this '~'?.~ ~ ;.:orth~.:hile objective
0
0
0
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290351

Production ~969
The work on the microbiological flora of ~obacco
has been started at R. and D.E., Southampton. So
far, there would appear to be no danger from bacteria,
but work was continuing on moulds where there might
be a hazard associated with mycotoxins. Dr. Sanford
said that Louisville was in agreement with this view.
There followed a full discussion on the application
of Research and Development techniques for Product
Development. It appears likely that Philip ~]orris,
in particular, are more successful in this than
B.A.T. Dr. Griffith adversely compared the general
position of Research in the B.A.T. Group with that
in Philip Morris. He reported that Philip Morris
are currently doubling their expenditure and stated,
for example, that they are using low resolution mass
spectrometry techniques to determine how to utilize
Venezuelan tobaccos.
Following an account of the similarity between the
changes which can be brought about by processing
conditions, and those attributable to ageing, the
meeting felt that considerable caution should be
exercised in reducing holding times in the tobacco
process, and in terms of tobacco durations, merely
to gain short-term economic advantages in terms of
inventories etc. Nevertheless, there may be present
an opportunity for the development of methods of
accelerated ageing.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290352

~' ~ .... q969
Freeze-drying of tobacco was discussed, particularly
in the light of the recent publicity from the
University of North Carolina. The process is in a
very early stage of development, and is unlikely to
become of any importance for the next few years at
least. It concluded, however, that such a process
might affect the combustion characteristics of tobacco~
and it was agreed that R. and D.E., Southampton, should
ez~lore the effect of this and of other processes in
this respect.
Consideration was given to the interestin5 proposal
:,dvanced by Dr. Smith of lq,ntreal for the ozone
treatment of tobacco and the conclusion was that
R. and D.E., should consider this as pars of their
5eneral programme of investi~atin~ the effects of
various tobacco treatments.
N~. Wade reported on the progress made at Bristol
on the irridation of tobacco for mould inhibition.
This work is continuing.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290353

Marketing
[he Meeting agreed that, in general, a substantial
reduction in TPM (e.g. from 75 mg to 40 mg) will
lead to considerable differences in taste and that
these differences will be observed particularly when
the observers are aware that changes have been made;
however, as far as the reaction of the smoking public
is concerned, it may be possible to make such changes
without significant reaction, especially if these are
made slowly.
In discussin~ the possible taste deficiencies
associated with low TPM cigarettes, Dr. Fordyce
suggested that attempts might be made to express
sensory responses in terms of intensity per unit weight
of TPM.
General opinion was that further filter development
should be aimed largely at changing the composition of
the smoke in a desirable sense, instead, of merely
reducing the total quantity of smoke.
The Conference agreed that I'iontreal should be encouraged
to pursue their suggestion on the treatment of tobacco
with sodium silicate in order to alter smoke characteristics.
Dr. Fordyce described the treatment of Australiam
tobacco with ~% citric acid in an autoclave for short
periods of about 2 minutes, and the benefits conferred
on the smoking qualities. The irritation of the smoke
was reduced, and there was a marked increase in the
filling power of the tobacco. Dr. Fordyce will send
details of this process to members so that the effect
on a wide variety of tobaccos can be investigated on
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290354

CATEGORY 8 2. ~o~
the laboratory scale. The Conference agreed
that this could represent an opporttnuity for
co-ordinated action by the Group, which could
obtain results more quickly and over a wider
rauge than those which could be achieved by any
one Company. It was agreed that, if the process
continued to look promising R. and D.E.,Southampton,,
would make a more detailed study of the effects on
smoke quality; Dr. Sanford also offered, subject to
B. and W. Management approval, to carry out a
theoretical study of the scale-up of the process.
It was agreed further that Australia, Southampton
and Louisville should consider the patentability
of this process in various countries.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290355

CATEGORY 9
Filters ~969
There was a full discussion on the use of PEG as
~ additive to filters to e~_hance The removal of
phenol(s) mnd the Conference agreed that it would
be generally desirable to continue its use, although
it was recognized that cost savings could clearly
be achieved if it were eliminated. The substitution
of extra triacetin for PEG is not as effective in
phenol removal over a long period. It was interesting
to learn from Dr. Fordyce that consumer tests showed
a preference for filter tip cigarettes containing PEG;
results from Canada and Louisville tended to confirm
this. Because of the German Food Regulations, PEG
is not used on filters in Germany.
There was a discussion on the use of DEG, and,
while the Conference appreciated the special position
in Germany, it endorsed the AGP recommendation.
Dr. Seehofer pointed out that the DEG used was subject
to a rigidly specified limit of O.O~% monoglycol.
~%ile it was recognized that the AGP Minutes should
not include the secientific detailed reasons for the
recommendations, Dr. Felton agreed to supply the
background scientific references to the decisions for
the use of research staff.
The Conference considered the bioassay results of
PEI-treated filters, and although these are somewhat
inconclusive, suggested an upper limit of 3% weight
of the filter.
The Conference confirmed its belief that the trend
towards multiple filters, including carbon filters,
would continue. This should achieve lower gas phase
deliveries. In this connection, the idea put forward
by Dr. Smith of Montreal on mixed-bed.filters with
coincident specificity was considered well worth
pursuing. ~r. Wade agreed to follow this up and to
e~lore the patent situation.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290356

CATEC©RY qO Synthetic Smoking Haterials ~969
Dr. Green drew attention to the proposed non-tobacco
"cigarette" which, it is said, will be marketed by
Courtauld's Ltd., at the end of q969. This is believed
to contain oxidised viscose staple fibre and iron
oxide, to be free from nicotine aud to be tmdergoing
a superficial bioassay test programme. It was the
view of the Conference that such smoking materials should
be the subject of serious biological study before being
offered to the public but the difficulties of achieving
this in all cases were recognized. It was agreed that
T.R.C. should be urged to apply all available methods
of bioassay to effect a comparison of non-tobacco
smoking materials, e.g., lettuce etc.,~ with conventional
tobaccos.
There was a general discussion on non-tobacco materials
~_nd, largely due to the difficulties foreseen with the
addition of nicotine, the Conference did not envisage
at present the likely success of a totally non-tobacco
cigarette. However~ it now seems quite likely that
non-tobacco materials will be successfully incorporated
into cigarettes as blend constituents, particularly in
health orientated products. A large usage of non-
tobacco materials would be likely to increase the
demand for high-nicotine tobaccos.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290357

Tobacco as a Plant
196~9
The Conference recognized that problems associated
with pesticides and insecticides were matters of
world-wide concern co the whole Industry, and were
outside the competitive field. The special position
in Germany was appreciated by the members, and it
was a~reed that any specific information requested
by Dr. Seehofer should be sent to him as quickly as
possible.
The Conference was informed of the current
investigation into Black Fat tobacco~ and a~reed
that, prima facie, further investigation of this
product would be desirable on health ~rounds.
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290358

CATE~0RY (2.
Additives J969
Herr Sottorf informed the Conference that, although
the threatened ban of the use of coumarin on tobacco
products had not yet occurred, the German Industry
had voluntarily discontinued the use of coumarin
on cigarettes, while continuing its use on pipe
tobaccos. Dr. Seehofer agreed to send the relevant
scientific paper by B[r and Griepentrog to Dr. Felton,
so that the matter might be taken up with BIBRA.
Meanwhile, the Conference agreed that the Additives
Guidance Panel's advised limits should stand. There
was some discussion on coumarin substitutes, and
Dr. Sap_ford agreed to supply samples of octahydroco~marin
either directly or through Dr. HuF~hes.
o
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 8 November 2000
BATCO
00290359
