Radioactive substances in cigarettes are hidden

The results of a new study show that, over the past four decades, tobacco companies have concealed the true content of radioactive substances in cigarettes.

A group of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, published this discovery in an online version of the American Medical Journal in the study of tobacco and nicotine.

They analyzed 27 documents and found that as early as 1959, tobacco companies knew of the existence of Polonium-210, a highly toxic radioactive substance and a carcinogen in the drug. leaves.

Polonium-210 is an isotope of the Polonium element. This is an extremely toxic substance, requiring only a small amount to kill. These companies studied Polonium-210 during the 1960s and concealed their potential for harm.

Accordingly, they knew that this radioactivity affected the growth of malignant tumors in the smokers' lungs, and could even calculate the amount of radiation in a regular smoker. for over 20 years.

Hrayr Karagueuzian and his colleagues conducted a number of necessary studies and found that radiation in cigarettes caused 138 deaths per 1,000 smoking cases over a 25-year period.

Tobacco companies have ignored the existence of Polonium-210 in tobacco?

Karagueuzian said tobacco companies had deceived consumers when ignoring the existence of Polonium-210.

However, many tobacco manufacturers deny that allegation. David Sutton, spokesman for America's largest tobacco manufacturing company - Philip Morris - said Polonium-210 is a 'natural component in the air' and has been widely discussed in the medical community. for many years.

Previously, in 2008, public opinion was also "stunned" when it was reported that tobacco companies such as Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, British American Tobacco . had all found ways to avoid public awareness. Polonium-210 is found in tobacco leaves, cigarettes and smoke. They have investigated and tried to find a way to eliminate it but failed. And in order not to touch public opinion in their disadvantage, they concealed all research results.