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Welcome to irishhealth.com (9 Sep, 2010) Quickfind
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Plans to sell herbal cigarettes in pubs criticised

[Posted: Wed 19/11/2003 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

Plans by the Cigarette Machine Operators Association to promote herbal cigarettes in pubs once the smoking ban is introduced, have been severely criticised by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

The society has said it is concerned about the move because while herbal cigarettes do not contain nicotine or tobacco, they do contain other harmful chemicals.

"Smoking herbal cigarettes is not a safe alternative, as these 'pseudo cigarettes' contain tar which is a carcinogen and other harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide", said Norma Cronin, anti-tobacco consultant with the ICS.

The society has said it is opposed to the promotion of herbal cigarettes for the following reasons:

-Herbal cigarettes contain tar, which is a carcinogen.

-Herbal cigarettes produce a higher level of carbon monoxide than tobacco-containing cigarettes.

-Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas. In high concentrations, it can be deadly.

-Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, irritability and a difficulty in breathing.

-Smoking herbal cigarettes is completely ineffective as a method of quitting smoking because herbal cigarettes do not suppress nicotine addiction.

The ICS advises anyone who wants to quit smoking to call the National Smoking Quitline, where trained smoking cessation advisors are on hand to take your call.

The Quitline can be contacted at 1850 201 203, seven days a week, between 8am and 10pm.

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  Anonymous   Posted: 17/09/2007 17:49
More info? How can Herbal cigs be MORE harmful than regular smokes?
 
 
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