South Korea: Risks of ''Capsule Cigarettes'' to be Studied

Source from:  The Korea Times 10/27/2015

The health authorities announced Monday that they will examine the health effects of cigarettes that contain flavored capsules in the filter which are gaining popularity among smokers in Korea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) said it will set up regulations for the capsule cigarettes next year after investigating their health risks.

The products are popular, especially among young smokers.

"We are undertaking the study to see if capsule cigarettes have harmful effects and to let smokers know of any possible danger," a CDC official said. "There's a need to scientifically study them because they attract adolescents to smoking. Also, the study will push tobacco companies to act more responsibly."

He said the study will serve as a basis for future regulations. Currently, the CDC official said that capsule cigarettes are not covered by any additional regulations.

Most capsules contain menthol, an organic compound artificially made or extracted from peppermint or other mint oils. The menthol disguises the unpleasant odor and taste of the cigarette. For that reason, experts have said that they tend to make more people smoke, especially among adolescents. Some studies have shown the compound in the capsule increases absorption of smoke components, and raises concern about a magnified cancer risk.

In recent years, capsule cigarettes have enjoyed remarkable popularity in Korea.

During the first quarter this year the product accounted for 14.7 percent of KT&G's entire sales in Korea.

Capsule cigarettes have been also widely consumed in other countries such as the U.K., Japan, the United States and Canada.

They were invented in Japan in 2007; but it is not clear when they arrived in Korea. Now, all major global tobacco companies make them. The list includes Kool and Kent by British American Tobacco; Marlboro and Lark by Philip Morris; and Camel Activate by Japan Tobacco International. Local brands include ESSE Change and Bohen Cigar Cubana Double made by KT&G.

The United States exempted menthol capsules from being included in flavored tobaccos. In the European Union, the capsules will be banned from 2017 after the EU parliament voted for the ban in 2013. In May this year, Canada became the first country to ban capsule cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Enditem