B.A.T.: R. & D. CONFERENCE - MONTREAL.
October 24 to 27 1967.
Present- Dr. S. J. Green
Sir Charles Ellis
Dr. D. G. Felton
Dr. R. B. Griffith
Mr. L. C. laporte
Dr. R. A. S a nford
Dr. F .Seehofer
Mr. H. E. Sottorf
Mr. R. S. Wade
Conclusion and Recommend z-,ti on s
The main conclusions are as follows:
1. Company scientists should be fully involved in
the
formulation of company policy in the field of
smoking
and health.
2. Smoking is now irreversibly associated with
health.
More legislation and governmental control can be
expected.
3. Lessons can be learnt from the Strickman affair
applicable over a wide range of activity.
4. Some attempt should be made to establish the
optimal
levels of nicotine for sm. okers, to develop low
T. P.M.
normal nicotine cigarettes, lo%v T.P.M. low
nicotine
cigarettes, predominantly health-orientated
cigarettes
and to consider more radical approaches to smoking
devices and non-inhalable cigarettes.
S. Montreal and Hamburg will seek approval to
develop
a cigarette made predominantly of locally produced
reconstituted tobacco.
6. Southampton will develop a cigarette
incorporating
all factors considered of importance in bio-assay
and
aim to have it tested biologically.
7. Biotesting of Company products should be
limited to
products believed to be completely developed to a
viable saleable proposition.
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B. T'--e Companies of the Group are generally weak
a7 j-4 vulnerable in the development of
conventional
c--,-arettes. We should examine the application of
sz'entific work to these problems. The closest
W=rking relationships with those employed in
marketing
s.-3uld be established.
9. Knowledge of the technical details of how
people
s=oke could be of great value.
10. T~~ attention of microbiologists within the
Group
should be drawn to the possibility of the
necessity
fcc microbiological production control.
11. The 100 mm. cigarette is probably in entirely
the
w7 zng direction. It could, however, provide an
o;:portunity to introduce extra long filters.
12. It was concluded that members had found the
conference
useful although the criticism was expressed that
there
had been inr ,fficient detailed co-ordination of
work
p.-zgrammes.
13. There should be further conferences of this
nature and
the majority present thought that the next meeting
sh.zuld be within the next six or seven months.
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Obiectives of the Conference
Dr. Green outlined the objectives of the
conference
a sfollows:
a) To examine the research and development
activity relevant to the Companies of the
Group.
b) To identify the main assumptions implicit
in present activities.
c) To identify the main objectives of research
and development and to recommend any
desirable changes in objectives or procedure.
He pointed out that the objectives were very broad
and should be construed to include other research
centres such
as Harrogate. Although additional topics could
arise from time
to time, two major themes had been isolated,
namely smoking
and health and product development.
2. The meeting approved the agenda structure,
after a
short discussion.
3. Assumotions
Considerable discussion took place on the
assumptions
made by R. & D. scientists and these were listed
without any
attempt to justify them or to agree an their
correctness at this
time.
as:
Of the assumptions listed, the main ones were
Identified
a) Research can be profitable.
b) There is a minimum necessary level of nicotine.
Smoking is a habit attributable to nicotine.
The form of nicotine affects the rate of
absorption
by the smoker.
c) Smoking and health problems are susceptible
to a research solution.
d) If there is no inhaling. there is no lung
cancer
or respiratory disease.
e) Smoking has both physiological and
psychological
effects.
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f) There will be more government involvement in
the tobacco industry in the future.
g) Company non-medical scientists are capable
of making judgements on health matters.
h) Selective filtration of non-volatile materials
Is possible (i.e., aerosol particles are
chemical.ly
inhomogeneous).
I) Smoking and health matters cannot be entirely
handled by legal and political moves.
4. The Present Environ-nert
r,
A number of 'actors were listed as being those
affecting
R. & D. activity but over which we have little or
no control.
The major ones were as follows:
a) Leral and political nressures
The meeting heard summaries of the American,
Canadian and German positions and were unanimous
in reaching the conclusion that the technical
position on smoking nd health is becoming
increasingly complex and that the companies'
scientists should be fully involved In the
formula-
tion of company policy in the field of smoking and
health.
Sir Charles said that in his opinion, the Industry
should attempt to seize the initiative by s9me
positive action. A number of suggestions were
considered and it was felt generally that some
attempt should be made at the appropriate time
to bring togetber the industry scientists in the
U.S. in order to explore possible action in this
field. Dr. Griffith cited examples of the U.K.
and especially Germany.
It was also agreed that company scientists can
provide a positive approach In contacts with
public authorities.
It was agreed that smoking Is likely to be
associated with health continuously In the
future and that it was not a passing phase.
It was likely, moreover, that tobacco would
be involved in legislation of a food and drug
administration nature in respect both of product
and of manufacture. The German situation CD
regareing pesticide on tobacco s indicative
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of this trend although tobacco in Germany
already comes under the food laws.
b) External Pressures
The meeting discussed Amcel's smoking
material SM and Imperial Developments.
The position may be reached within a year
or so where Celanese Corporation of America
may attempt to exert pressure through the
public authorities to get their product
incorporated into cigarettes. In this
connection, it was considered that the
present arrangements were satisfactory.
The present arrangement is that B.A.T.
(Millbank) are in touch with Amcel and
have a relationship which Is 'warm' but
limited to supplier and possible consumer.
R. & D.E. are testing SM materials and
Amcel undertake to keep us fully Informed
and not to disclose publicly without prior
consultation. There were reports that Amcel
had recently made a "technological break-
through", and if this were the case. both
Germany and Canada wished to receive
samples through Millbank when these become
available. Germany would also like a small
quantity of the current product.
In the case of Imperial Developments the
problems of communication were clarified.
Because of the A.M. & F. license to I.T. Co.
(G.B. & 1.). Dr. Green undertook to get further
clarification with respect to the provision of
information to Bristol of new developments on
PCL in C.)nada and America.
c) Externel Re-e-,,rch Pro-Trammes
It was agreed that such programmes as those
at the 'University of Kentucky and at the
Environmental Health Unit at Research Triangle,
N.C. (Kotin) will influence company research'
programmes and may also have other effects.
For example, the fact that they will of necessity.
publish their results should lead to a
reconsideration
of our own policy on publishing and it was agreed
that where results which we had obtained were
likely to.be covered by such publications, we
ourselves should publish first. It was also
agreed that we should co-operate in such
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as for as possible. In particular, Dr. Griffith
thought that B.A.T. had had a most favourable
influence on Dr. Stokes of the University of
Kentucky during his recent visit to Europe.
It was felt that Kotin's work could well provide
the occasion for the co-operation of the American
industry at the scientific level. Provided that
co-ordination and contact is made through the
respective research departments. It was
mentioned that these programmes could also
be supported by the industry, perhaps at the
expense of contributions to CTR or AMA.
d) Pressurns from Comnetition
It was reported that both Reynolds and American
Tobacco Company had recently greatly increased
their facilities, particularly in the area of
product
development. It was agreed that this should be
taken into account in planning our own future
activities. CDE suggested that pressure in
development should not be allowed to erode the
research work considered necessary in each
laboratory.
The example of the 100 mm. cigarette was
considered and it was agreed that this development
was most undesirable from the viewpoint of smoking
and health, although it could offer the
possibility
of introducing very long filters.
General Obiectives of R. & D.
The following general objectives were defined
following a
discussion:
1) To insure the continuation of the industry and
the prosperity of the company within the industry.
The insurance aspect of research at this time is
particularly important.
2) To provide a technological basis for sustaining
and increasing the profits of the company, both
long and short-range.
31 To carry out some research work which is felt
to be necessary if a satisfactory scientific
advisory service Is to be provided..
No attempt was made at this time to delineate
specific
project objectives, but after general discussion,
it was'agreed
that it is essential for the scientific research
and marketing
staffs to co-operate closely in their activities.
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6. Smokina Pnd He~lth
Mr. Keith and Mr. Par& were present part of the
time.
Dr. Griffith was not present.
Dr. Runeckles joined the meeting.
It was decided first to discuss the STRICKMAN
FILTER.
The position regarding Canada, America and Germany
was outlined. It was agreed that the most
important feature
was the commercial attraction offered by the
publicity which
the filter had received, but there was some
indication that a
granular bed filter may be of some importance with
respect to
taste '. This could be particularly so with
respect to Virginia
Cigaiettes if an alkaline additive were used which
might change
the ratio of extractable to n on-extrac table
nicotine.
The lessons to be learned from the Strickman
filter
were that:
1) In the examination of new ideas presented
to the industry, companies must be demonstrably
diligent even if the idea does not appear to be
attractive at the time. The meeting was unanimous
that in the light of the prevai ling
circumstances,
Louisville had cerried out a satisfactory examina-
tion of the Strickman filter when it was first
offered to them in 1966.
2. Companies should insist on inventors having
some
form of patent protection and the presence of
witnesses, preferably lewyers, would be
advantageous.
3. It might be possible to market a
health-orientated
cigarette without prior biological testing.
However,
there has been some criticism of this at the
Columbia
press conference and the position Is not yet
clear.
4. The Strickman experience demonstrates the
general
approach which might be made to marketing health
orientated cigarettes. This is to publish in the
scientific literature and make disclosure possibly
simultaneously through a public authority.
5. We should re-examine the relationships between
pressure,drop and retention performance (5f
different
types and forms of filter materials.
Sir Charles Ellis surveyed the progress of current
work in
the field of smoking and health. He was of the
opinion that big
advances have been made in bio-assay techniques
for smoke
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condensate painting, and that a number of
different factors
affectir; biological activity are being revealed
and there is
some evidence suggesting cigarette smoke may only
play a
contributory role in carcinogenesis. This leads to
the conclusion
that if eaough well directed effort were to be
applied. a cigarette
could be developed which would be of lower
bio-assay activity,
while pcssessing an acceptable taste. The meeting
agreed that
It would be worth%%,hile to make such a cigarctte
with lower
biological rctivity on mouse skin painting,
provided this did
not adversely affect the.position with respect to
irritation
and other factors. It was recognized that this
implied certain
assump:ions about the relevance of mouse skin
painting; but
it was unlikely this test would be replaced by
cheaper. shorter
and more meaningful tests for the next few years.
A further
argumem is that such a "mouse-skin safe" cigarette
would be
particulE.rly valuable in public relations.
:n addition to this biological testing which could
be
undertaken or sponsored by the Individual
companies, it was
suggested that each company might well consider
sponsoring
at least a small programme of longer-range
biological work,
the mair. object of which would be to familiarize
the company
scienti=s with the problems involved, in order to
appreciate
better the work currently being carried out in the
whole field.
Zhe difficulties associated with inhalation
studies
were discussed and it was agreed that in the
likely event
that no satisfactory inhalation test could be
found, It would
be necessary to make an intuitive judgment based
on cellular
biochemical studies.
Consideration was then given to modifications
which
could be made to cigarettes now and in the future.
It was
agreed that this could best be considered at
several levels.
1) The improvement of current brands should be
continued by removing from the smoke, any
substances Judged to be harmful or alleged to
ba- harmful, provided consumer acceptance is
not adversely affected.
2. The development of low T.P.M., normal nicotine
cigarettes should continue. In this connection,
the use of filter additives, such as P.E.I. might
be helpful since it might render the nicotine
more available to the smoker.'
3. The development of a low T.P.M., low nicotine
cigarette should be expanded. This raises the C=>
question of the level of nicotine required and the
consumer study by E'ristol can be helpful In
determining CC)
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this. Mr. Sottorf pointed out that there
was evidence that in Germany per czpita
cigarette consumption increased for the lower
nicotine brands. It cz:nnot, however, be assumed
that the minimum nicotine ,cccptcble to the
smoker is the optimel level, and some
consideration
should be given to establishing this.
4) Some cigarettes should be developed which are
entirely health-orientated and in which health
factors predominate in the design. Such products
must be subject to continual review and will
require biological testing. In view of the great
effort involved in biological testing of new
cigarettes
it should only be applied to those which have
already
satisfied the requirements of taste, cost, etc. ,
and -6
which are, therefore, considered viable commercial
peoducts. Health orientated cigarettes ought
probably
to be shorter rather than longer.
5) A further approach could be towards smoking
articles
which differ radically from existing cigarettes,
for
example, those constituted entirely from
non-tobacco
materials or the ARIEL device, or even a cigarette
aimed to be pleasantly non-inhalable. It was noted
in passing that the trend towards making cigarlets
milder and therefore more easily inhalable was
undesirable on health grounds.
It was suggested that the development of a number
of health-orientated cigarettes should be
undertaken
by the member laboratories. It was tentatively
agreed
by Montreal, Hamburg and Louisville that they
would
develop or get approval to develop a cigarette
made
predominantly of locally produced reconstituted
tobacco.
R. & D.E., Southampton are already developing a
cige-ette %uhich will incorporate all factors,
recognised
as important in the context of bio-assay with the
objective of establishing the maximum reduction in
biological activity attainable at present. Dr.
Felton
outlined the present cigarette being examined in
Southampton. This %vas 84 mm. including 20 rrm..
duel filter with P.E.I., zinc acetote and sodium
acetate.
Ameliorants were being tested and the tobacco rod
is
SO'! Burley 307. flue cured, both cut at 60 c.p.i.
and
20 T'> stem.
The AIRIEL device was discussed and opinion was
divided as to how far further development was
justified. It was generally felt. however. that
some
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further development should be undenaken,
particularly with respect to smoking
characteristics
and consumer acceptance.
A general discussion followed on basic assumptions
which
guided thinking in the field of smoking and
health. While
re'cognising the importance of psychological
factors In smoking
and the possibility teat some smokers would accept
non-nicotine
cigarettes, it was felt that nicotine is Important
for the majority
of smokers and that the form of nicotine can be
significant. It
was also considered that nicotine will be
increasingly subject
to attack. It was agreed that there %vill be
increasing government
involvement in the industry. The meeting concluded
that adsorbent
filters such as charcoal will play a long-term
role in cigarette
design.
Attention has recently been drawn to the sugar
content
of flue-cured tobacco as a possible factor In
respiratory disease.
The meeting noted that fermentation as a means of
reducing the
sugar content is being tested In the JANUS
programme.
The use of catalysts and additives to reduce
benzpyrene
was discussed, as well as the recent patent by van
Julsingha
on the addition to cigarettes of non-carcinogenic
polycyclic
hydrocarbons which are supposed to transfer to the
smoke and
function as biological antagonists for
carcinogenic hydrocarbons
produced by pyrolysis. The preliminary and
tentative Indications
from results at Harrogate suggesting that
potassium compounds
enhanced carcinogenicity were discussed in the
context of the St.
Pauli process and Dr. Green suggested that these
considerations
should be bonae in rnind in future product
development work,
particularly in connection with a
health-orientated cigarette.
The evidence, however, is not strong enough to
suggest that
the existing St. Pauli treatment should be changed
at this time.
It was suggested that it is likely that in the
future, some
attention may have to be given to the
manuffacturing process with
regard to micro-biological control. Regardless of
the outcome of
current investigations in the field of smoking and
health which
are aimed at assessing the importance of
micro-biological contamination,
in the present political climate and with
increasing govemment involve-
ment, sooner or later tobacco manufacturers may
have to conform to
standards similar to those in the food end drug
Industries.
It was agreed that this is a serious possibility
and that
members will give this rnatter full consideration
and draw it to the
attention of their managements if appropriate.
The situation In Germany regarding the stringent
regulations
for pesticide residues on tobacco was explained
and discussed. It
was agreed that members would endeavour to obtain
information
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relating to the minimum application requirements
of pesticides
for insect control and to determine whether
pesticides on the
prohibited list could be replaced by acceptable
substitutes.
Such information, if available would be sent to
Millbank for
Hamburg.
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7. Product Devoloomsn'
Dr. Runeckles was present.
Mr. Baldwin and Dr. Griffith were present part
time).
Discussion on this subject was limitted to the
development
of new brands of conventional cigarettes, and the
role of R. & D.
in this activity, particularly in Germany and
Canadawas described.
It was concluded that there is no easy %vay to
product
development, but that it is essential to have the
continual
Involvement of marketing, scientific and leaf
personnel even
before the product concept was developed. The
contribution of
laboratory work to product development is. of
necessity, somewhat
limited, and systematic human smoking tests
provide the predominant
technique. Scientific departments have a major
role in the latter
work. Current laboratory tests which are
considered of value are
tests for nicotine in the tobacco and the smoke,
sugar content in
the tobacco and total particulate matter in smoke.
It was agreed,
however, that attempts should be made to find out
whether
measurement of total vapour phase and/or its pH
for example,
could prove useful and to extend, if possible, the
application
of extractable nicotine measurements.
With regard to the possible extension of the
laboratory
contribution, Sir Charles Ellis suggested some
consideration
should be given to a physical measurement relating
to the nicotine
and the smoke aerosol and Dr. Seehofer described
an interesting
empirical test (CAMVER) which is still under study
in Hamburg.
It was agreed that In the long run. a detailed
knowledge
of how smokers smoke (puff proffile, frequency
volume etc.) and
how behavioural patterns alter, could be ol great
value in product
development. It is possible that if such a study
were under-Laken.
the market se-Cment target could be identified
with much more
certainty and the pre-market smoking evaluations
could then be
made by panel smokers corresponding to that
segment. Such
knowledge. of course, is primarily of Importance
in the smoking
and health field, since it may validate the
susceptible minority
hypothesis. The first step Is to develop the
techniques required
to carry out such a study and the meeting agreed
that this ought
to be done.
8. Procedural IvIatters
a', Visits
After discussion, it was agreed that visits by
research staff to other laboratories within the
group are essential or colleboration, but they
are also necessary to enZble the research staff
to do their own work properly. It was also
sugC-ested that in addition mectings at the level
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of the present one, there could be great value
in joint meetings at bench level.
Report
The present system of reporting is satisfactory
to all members, but it was generally agreed that
there was insufficient feedb&ck to the originating
laboratories. One point requiring attention was
inadequate reference to earlier work.
C) Information Retrieval
Dr. Griffith reviewed the new systems being
developed and suggested that a system such
as this should be considered for the group. The
need for compatability means that the group
research
requirements for Information retrieval should be
r, looked at as a whole, by someone who is a
scientist
and has experience with computers and data
processing. Dr. Green agreed to investigate the
possibillity of initiating this survey.
d) Palents
The current practice In patent filing and renewal
within the group was reviewed. It was felt that
although particularly In Canada. machinery patents
had been profitable, an balance too rruch emphasis
in the past had been placed on process and
machinery
patents. In future, an attempt will be made to put
mu'ch more emphasis on product patents.
e) Star,'erdis:,tion
It vas agreed that where feasible, group standards
should be adopted. but the local conditions for
most
companies in practice demand the adoption of
different standards- It was emphasised that for
any smoke measurement. the number of cigarettes
should be determined by the statistical
significance
sought. With the alra of comparing relarive
results
from the paramoecium bio-assay test, Hamburg
agreed to circulate samples of three types of
cigarette to Louisville, Sydney and
Southampton.
f) Divcrsific---tinn
It --vas agreed that diversification does affect
the
morale of research staff. It was also felt that in
some companies there is particular expertise
avail;-ble which could be helpful in
diversification
exercises but which Is at present not used..
W.-,cre C=)
laboratory st&-;,' had been used In
diversification 1%0
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work this wZs felt in general to have enriched
their experience and made them better In the
tobacco work. Where R. & D. staff can make
a contribution it is highly desirable they should
do so, provided that in the long run, the
approved programme of work on tobacco and
smoke is not eroded.
g) coresta
A di zussion was held on developments within
Coresta and the question was raised on the
advisability of other companies joining. Dr.
Green said that in general, this was contrary
to present B.A.T. policy. The German corripany
was a member for very special reasons. The
German company will keep the group informed
of developments and will supply copies of the
Bulletin for circulation to Louisville, Montreal,
Sydney and Southampton.
9. R e v I c %-.- o' Acsu=tlons
The following were agreed:
1) Research can be profitable although we are in
an industry %vhere new products generally cannot
be attributable directly to research.
21 Nicotine is important and there is probably a
minimum le,.el of nicotine to which for many
people the habituated effects of smoking are
attributable. The form of nicotine probably
affects the rate of absorption by the smoker.
3) Government involvement in the tobacco industry
will become greater in the future.
4) The smoking and health problem is amonable to
a research solution. This is a significant change
in thinking r-nd is a direct result of research.
5) Product charecteristics are Important In
maintaining
sales and for improvirg the market.
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