Cigarettes come in a variety of types – the two most popular being lights and full flavor. It’s essential to know the difference between these two types when selecting a cigarette to enjoy. While often assumed to be safer, lights cigarettes are not actually as healthy as full-flavor options. This article will explore the differences between light and full flavor cigarettes and help elucidate which type may be healthier for smokers.
Definition Of Lights Cigarette
Lights cigarettes, sometimes referred to as low tars, are a type of cigarette that contains less tar and nicotine than full flavor cigarettes. The amount of tar and nicotine can vary significantly between different brands of lights cigarettes. According to US law, lights cigarettes must contain at least 15 milligrams of tar. Any cigarette with 15 milligrams or less of tar is considered a light or low-tar cigarette.
Smokers often choose lights cigarettes because they are perceived to be healthier or to have less of an effect on the lungs and other bodily organs than full flavor cigarettes. Although this perception is generally accepted, it is quite untrue. The amount of tar and nicotine already delivered by lights cigarettes is dangerous, and these cigarettes should not be considered a healthy smoking option.
Definition Of Full Flavor Cigarettes
Full flavor cigarettes, as the name implies, contain more tar and nicotine than lights cigarettes. The amount of tar and nicotine can vary significantly between brands; in the US, any cigarette with more than 15 milligrams of tar is considered a regular or full-flavor cigarette. Full flavor cigarettes are typically linked to the “classic” or “old-fashioned” types of cigarettes and are usually more popular than lights cigarettes.
They are often preferred by smokers who enjoy a strong smoking experience as these cigarettes deliver a stronger and bolder flavor. While full flavor cigarettes contain more tar and nicotine than lights, they are generally much less damaging to the lungs and other organs than lights cigarettes.
Nicotine Content Of Lights And Full Flavor Cigarettes
It’s essential to know the difference between the nicotine content of lights and full flavor cigarettes. Lights cigarettes typically contain around 0.8 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette. In comparison, full flavor cigarettes usually contain around 1.2 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette. This can vary significantly between brands, but generally speaking, even though the difference is small, full flavor cigarettes contain more nicotine than lights.
It is worth noting that nicotine is the addictive compound in cigarettes, therefore the higher the nicotine content of a cigarette, the more addictive it is. Because of this, lights cigarettes may not be as addictive as full flavor cigarettes, making them preferred by smokers who wish to reduce their nicotine intake.
Tar Content Of Lights And Full Flavor Cigarettes
Tar is the chemical compound found in tobacco and is the substance that is most harmful to smokers. Lights cigarettes usually contain around 6 milligrams of tar per cigarette, while full flavor cigarettes usually contain around 12 milligrams of tar per cigarette. The tar content of a cigarette can vary significantly depending on the brand and type, although generally speaking, lights cigarettes do contain less tar than full flavor cigarettes.
It is important to note that even though there is a sizeable difference between the tar levels of lights and full-flavor cigarettes, both still contain more tar than is considered safe. Therefore, neither type of cigarette is truly “safe” and should not be considered healthier than the other.
Emissions Of Lights And Full Flavor Cigarettes
The emissions of lights and full flavor cigarettes can also vary significantly. Lights cigarettes typically produce around 10 milligrams of carbon monoxide, while full flavor cigarettes usually produce around 20 milligrams of carbon monoxide per cigarette. This means that light cigarettes produce less CO than full flavor cigarettes.
Carbon monoxide is potentially deadly and can cause severe health issues in long-term smokers. Therefore, although lights cigarettes produce less CO than full flavor cigarettes, this is not an indication that they are healthier. In fact, low quality cigarettes may actually produce more CO than what is present in full flavor options.
Price Variance Between Lights And Full Flavor Cigarettes
There is typically a price variation between the two types of cigarettes, as lights cigarettes are generally cheaper than full flavor cigarettes. This is because of the decreased amount of tar and nicotine in lights cigarettes. Lights cigarettes also use a lower grade of tobacco compared to full flavor cigarettes, which helps account for their lower price.
It should be noted, however, that although lights cigarettes are typically cheaper, this does not mean they are the better option. In terms of health, the decreased amount of tar and nicotine in lights cigarettes is not enough to outweigh the harmful effects of smoking.
Additional Pricing Factors
The price difference between lights and full flavor cigarettes can also vary significantly between brands and countries/regions. In some regions, full flavor cigarettes are cheaper than lights cigarettes. This includes some parts of Asia and Europe, as well as South America. The increased regulation of cigarettes in the US, however, has lead to lights cigarettes being much cheaper than full flavor cigarettes.
It is important to note that, regardless of price, neither type of cigarette is good for your health. If you are looking for a healthier smoking option, it is best to avoid both lights and full flavor cigarettes and opt for a less harmful smoking alternative.
Public Perception Of Lights And Full Flavor Cigarettes
Lights cigarettes are often perceived to be healthier than full flavor cigarettes. This perception is rooted in the belief that lights cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals, such as tar and nicotine, than full flavor cigarettes. This is not true, as even lights cigarettes contain enough tar and nicotine to cause significant health risks.
Full flavor cigarettes, in contrast, are often viewed negatively due to their higher tar and nicotine content. This perception is based on the assumption that these cigarettes are more dangerous or damaging to the body than lights cigarettes, however, this is not necessarily the case. Cleaner burning technologies have been developed in recent years, which have significantly reduced the amount of tar and nicotine delivered by full flavor cigarettes.
Conclusion
Lights and full flavor cigarettes can vary significantly in their tar, nicotine, and CO emissions, as well as price. Lights cigarettes contain fewer tar and nicotine but produce more CO than full flavor cigarettes. Full flavor cigarettes, on the other hand, contain more tar and nicotine but usually produce fewer emissions than lights cigarettes. In terms of price, lights cigarettes are typically cheaper than full flavor cigarettes, however, this is not an indication of their safety or health advantages.
It’s important to remember that, regardless of the type of cigarette, they are all extremely harmful to health. Therefore, it is best to search for a different and healthier smoking option in order to avoid potential health risks.