UK: Bone Cancer Link to Illicit Cigs Sold in Preston  

Source from:  Lancashire Evening Post (uk)  04/22/2013

A shocking study by university students has found illicit tobacco sold in shops in Preston contain traces of chemicals used in paint and substances linked to bone cancer, leukaemia and infertility.

The report, led by chemistry students at the University of Central Lancashire, said while it is well documented all cigarette are harmful, some illicit brands had higher metal content than legitimate ones.

A brand called Jin Ling sold to an undercover reporter during an investigation into Lancashire's illicit tobacco trade, contained traces of a substance that causes chemical burns.

Jin Ling was deemed the most dangerous cigarette in those tested, with higher levels of metals than other samples tested including magnesium, strontium, cobalt, nickel and zinc.

It had high levels of strontium, a metal linked to bone cancer and leukaemia.

But the most shocking discovery by the students was that a sample of fake Golden Virginia tobacco contained TEN TIMES the amount of cadmium, a metal used in paint, than a legitimate sample.

The highly toxic metal can cause damage to kidneys, bone and lungs and cause cancer and exposure to cadmium fumes can cause flu like symptoms such as the chills, sometimes referred to as "the cadmium blues."

Dr Matt Baker, who oversaw the study, said: "We were shocked at the comparisons with legitimate products especially the huge difference in cadmium, which is known to be a carcinogen."

The tobacco also contained pyridine, which damages the male reproductive system.

The report said: "Although the sale of illicit tobacco may not in the public's view be as big an issue as drug laundering and people trafficking, the sale of illicit and counterfeit tobacco can be more dangerous than the two put together".

Master cigarettes, a brand sold to an undercover reporter in Preston, contained traces of a chemical known to have killed a dog at higher doses. Enditem