New testing shows illicit tobacco may contain even higher levels of toxic chemicals

New research has highlighted additional health risks associated with illicit tobacco products, with testing revealing elevated levels of toxic chemicals compared with legal tobacco products.

Researchers from the University of Auckland found higher concentrations of several harmful substances in illicit tobacco, including cadmium, a highly carcinogenic heavy metal. Cadmium levels were up to 60 per cent higher in the illicit tobacco tested than in legitimate tobacco products.

The study also identified unusual levels of metals including tin, lead, indium, caesium and uranium. These findings are concerning and demonstrate the potential additional health risks posed by illicit tobacco products.

Tobacco contains around 7,000 chemicals, with more than 70 known to cause cancer. Whether sold legally through a licensed retailer or illegally as counterfeit or unbranded tobacco, all tobacco products pose serious health risks.

As illicit tobacco is not regulated, it can also contain additional harmful ingredients, including increased levels of heavy metals and fungal spores that can be toxic when inhaled.

Avoiding tobacco remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, lung disease and other serious health conditions.

For quit support visit besmokefree.com.au