Myth
Filtered cigarettes are less
dangerous than unfiltered ones.
Fact
The opposite would be the case: people who prefer filtered cigarettes are in danger of dying two to almost four years earlier than smokers of filterless cigarettes. Filters prevent the dilution of the smoke by oxygen so that the bloodstream builds up higher levels of carbon monoxide, in the form of carboxyhemoglobin. One of the effects is greater damage to the cardiovascular system, with the danger of strokes and heart attacks. Approximately 50 percent of deaths studied resulted from heart attacks and about 20 percent from cancer.
Filtered cigarettes are less
dangerous than unfiltered ones.
Fact
The opposite would be the case: people who prefer filtered cigarettes are in danger of dying two to almost four years earlier than smokers of filterless cigarettes. Filters prevent the dilution of the smoke by oxygen so that the bloodstream builds up higher levels of carbon monoxide, in the form of carboxyhemoglobin. One of the effects is greater damage to the cardiovascular system, with the danger of strokes and heart attacks. Approximately 50 percent of deaths studied resulted from heart attacks and about 20 percent from cancer.
