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Recent Advances in Cigarette Ignition Propensity Research and Development

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Abstract

Major U.S. cigarette companies for decades conducted research and development regarding cigarette ignition propensity which has continued beyond fire safety standards for cigarettes that have recently been legislated. This paper describes recent scientific advances and technological development based on a comprehensive review of the physical, chemical, and engineering sciences, public health, and trade literature, U.S. and international patents, and research in the tobacco industry document libraries. Advancements since the first implementation of standards have made been in: (a) understanding the key parameters involved in cigarette smoldering combustion and ignition of substrates; (b) developing new cigarette and paper wrapper designs to reduce ignition propensity, including banded and non-banded cigarette paper approaches, (c) assessing toxicology, and (d) measuring performance. While the implications of manufacturers’ non-safety-related aims are of concern, this research indicates possible alternative designs should experience with fire loss and existing technologies on the market suggest need for improvement.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the research assistance of Vincent Panzano. Funding for this research was provided by U.S. National Cancer Institute Grant Number: R01 CA117108-01A1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Building, Floor 3E, 401 Park Drive, 02135, Boston, MA, USA

    Hillel R. Alpert, Ron Spalletta & Gregory N. Connolly

  2. Department of Health Behavior, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, 14263, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Richard J. O’Connor

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  1. Hillel R. Alpert
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Correspondence to Hillel R. Alpert.

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Alpert, H.R., O’Connor, R.J., Spalletta, R. et al. Recent Advances in Cigarette Ignition Propensity Research and Development. Fire Technol 46, 275–289 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-008-0070-8

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