Although many smokers believe that ‘low tar’ cigarettes are the healthier option, according to new research, these are the most dangerous type of all.

Featured Image VIA 

Experts found that low tar ciggies could have made smokers more vulnerable to the most common form of lung cancer. These findings were made after an investigation looked at why rates of adenocarcinoma, a tumour that grows in the lungs, had gone up in recent years while other lung cancer rates had dropped due to more people quitting.

What they found is that cigarettes with small vent holes in the filters, which are found in the low tar and light options, were linked to this form of lung cancer. Here’s what lead researcher Dr Peter Shields had to say:

This was done to fool smokers into thinking they were safer. Our data suggests a clear ­relationship between the addition of ventilation holes and increasing rates of lung adenocarcinoma over the past 20 years.

What is especially concerning is these holes are still added to virtually all cigarettes smoked today.

Image VIA

The research team from Ohio State University analysed existing research and from this, they believe that the small holes in the filter actually change the way that the tobacco is burned, resulting in even more chemicals making their way into the lungs. The authors of the study are now calling on regulators to consider a ban on filter ventilation holes.

I think it’s pretty obvious by now that smoking cigarettes of any kind is fucking bad for your lungs. I would say judging by this research that you should stop smoking lights. But actually, the better advice would be to stop smoking full stop – it’s a vice not worth having.