Philippe RJ- Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. . Research Dept.; Honeycutt. RG, Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. Research Dept.
This 1-page document produced by the Research Department ofthe Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company identifies methyl isocyanate as a component in the smoke of commercial cigarettes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Toxics web page says methyl isocyanate is used to produce carbamate pesticides and is the chemical responsible for killing over 2,000 people and injuring 170,000 more in Bhopal, India in 1984. EPA's description of the chemical states:
"Methyl isocyanate is used to produce carbamate pesticides. Methyl isocyanate is extremely toxic to humans from acute (short-term) exposure. In Bhopal, India, accidental acute inhalation exposure to methyl isocyanate resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 people and adverse health effects in greater than 170,000 survivors. Pulmonary [lung] edema was the probable cause of death in most cases, with many deaths resulting from secondary respiratory infections. Survivors continue to exhibit damage to the lungs and eyes." http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/methylis.html
The Liggett document says,
"Methyl isocyanate was identified and quantitatively determined in the smoke gases of 85 mm long commercial cigarettes..."
This report was produced by Liggett in 1964, the same year the U.S. Surgeon General came out with its landmark report linking cigarette smoke with disease.