Sweeteners make cigarettes easier to smoke and more addictive

September 14, 2009

A new campaign by the Cancer Council Western Australia highlights the little-known fact that sugar and honey are among the flavourings commonly added to cigarettes making them more palatable by masking the noxious taste of tobacco.

The Cancer Council’s Make Smoking History campaign has developed the ‘Sugar, Sugar’ TV advertisement to raise awareness amongst smokers about how additives make everyday cigarettes more attractive and addictive.

Bill King, from the VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control, who has conducted extensive research into the make-up of cigarettes, said the ingredients used in different brands have not been adequately disclosed by tobacco manufacturers because the voluntary agreement with regulatory authorities allows them to protect trade secrets.

“These additives make cigarettes more attractive to smokers, and that’s what’s wrong with them,” said Mr King.

“They lull smokers into a false sense of security,” said Mr King.

“They’re tricked into believing that a less harsh taste makes the cigarette less harmful for them.”

Over time, there has been an increase in  the use of flavour additives, which include liquorice and cocoa, as well as sugars.

“These additives ultimately help smokers swallow a lethal cocktail,” said Mr King. 
Mr King said additives that make cigarettes more attractive and addictive should not be in the product and better information was needed to inform smokers about the risks they face.

The television advertisement, which goes to air on Monday September 14, depicts a number of different smoking-related health conditions and is set to the well-known song “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies.

Former truck driver John Van Hamersveld, who features in the ad, was a smoker for 35 years and underwent a total laryngectomy after being diagnosed with cancer of the larynx two years ago.

Mr Van Hamersveld, who had to learn to talk again said the worst legacy of his cancer is breathing through a hole in his neck.

“If I can help prevent one or two people from going through what I’ve been through by quitting,” said Mr Hamersveld, “I would feel a great sense of achievement.”

Susan Stewart, Make Smoking History campaign Manager, said smokers needed to know that while the true flavour of tobacco can be masked with additives, the damage caused by smoking cannot be hidden.

“In fact, many smokers are fascinated, unaware or shocked to discover cigarettes are made up of such ingredients,” said Ms Stewart.

While fewer people are smoking now than ever, almost 300,000 adults in Western Australia still smoke and around 1,200 Western Australians lose their lives to smoking every year.

This new campaign aims to get smokers to quit before it’s too late.

Smokers don’t have to quit alone. Smokers can call the Quitline on 13 78 48 to talk to someone confidentially about quitting or enquire about the Cancer Council’s Fresh Start quit smoking course.

Smokers can also talk to their local GP or pharmacist.

Make Smoking History is an initiative of the Cancer Council WA and is proudly supported by the Department of Health Western Australia and Healthway.