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Chemical manipulation/dangerous chemicals known to be in tobacco
by Anne Landman
Documents in this timeline discuss manipulation of smoke chemistry generally to maintain/increase "satisfaction" (addiction).
- No date Issues related to use of "pulp"
- Quote:" Pulp pyrolysis products, pesticides, heavy metals, VOC, dioxin, radionuclides..."
- No date Testing at RJ Reynolds shows that adding nicotine levulinate "seems to enhance the binding of nicotine receptors" [in the brain]
- Graphs in this document show the "Plasma nicotine rise" vs. "time post-lighting" of test cigarettes, indicating that RJR monitored blood levels of nicotine while administering cigarettes with nicotine levulinate added.
- No date RJR discovers Philip Morris' manipulation of smoke pH in Marlboros
- RJ Reynolds scientists discover a deliberate alteration of the smoke pH of Marlboros by Philip Morris, says it should imitate this change.
- No date RJR confirms that nicotine levulinate added to cigarettes increases the amount of nicotine that transfers to blood plasmsa
- Findings (Quote) "[Cigarette with nicotine levulinate] Significantly increase mainstream smoke yields of nicotine reflected in plasma concentration." (Meaning the amount of nicotine in smoke is increased by the addition of nicotine levulinate, and this is reflected in the level of nicotine found in the blood of the smoker.)
- No date Addition of Cocoa - to "suppress undesirable odors," caused respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse in rats
- Quotes: "Toxocity data is limited to a 1941 study on guinea pigs." "Theobromine and caffeine are found in cocoa...Both have effects on the central nervous system and are moderately toxic.. Deaths occurred [from caffeine in rats at certain dosages] and were immediately due to respiratory failure following tetanic convulsions or to cardiovascular collapse." "During (burning), Cocoa addition gave increased phenol yields by 25%."