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Cannabis smoke 'has more toxins' | Cannabis smoke 'has more toxins' |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Inhaled cannabis smoke has more harmful toxins than tobacco, scientists have discovered. | Inhaled cannabis smoke has more harmful toxins than tobacco, scientists have discovered. |
The Canadian government research found 20 times as much ammonia, a chemical linked to cancer, New Scientist said. | The Canadian government research found 20 times as much ammonia, a chemical linked to cancer, New Scientist said. |
The Health Canada team also found five times as much hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to heart and lung damage respectively. | The Health Canada team also found five times as much hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to heart and lung damage respectively. |
But tobacco smoke contained more of a toxin linked to infertility. Experts said users must be aware of the risks. | |
About a quarter of the population in the UK smokes tobacco products, while a sixth of 15 to 34-year-olds have tried cannabis in the past year, making it the most commonly used drug. | About a quarter of the population in the UK smokes tobacco products, while a sixth of 15 to 34-year-olds have tried cannabis in the past year, making it the most commonly used drug. |
The confirmation of the presence of known carcinogens and other chemicals implicated is important information for public health David Moir, lead researcher | The confirmation of the presence of known carcinogens and other chemicals implicated is important information for public health David Moir, lead researcher |
Previous research has shown cannabis smoke is more harmful to lungs than tobacco as it is inhaled more deeply and held in the lungs for a longer period. | Previous research has shown cannabis smoke is more harmful to lungs than tobacco as it is inhaled more deeply and held in the lungs for a longer period. |
However, it has also been acknowledged that the average tobacco user smokes more than a cannabis user. | However, it has also been acknowledged that the average tobacco user smokes more than a cannabis user. |
Researchers from Health Canada, the government's health research department, used a smoking machine to analyse the composition of the inhaled smoke for nearly 20 harmful chemicals. | Researchers from Health Canada, the government's health research department, used a smoking machine to analyse the composition of the inhaled smoke for nearly 20 harmful chemicals. |
They also looked at the sidestream smoke, given off from the burning tip of the product and responsible for 85% of the smoked inhaled through passive smoking. | They also looked at the sidestream smoke, given off from the burning tip of the product and responsible for 85% of the smoked inhaled through passive smoking. |
Concentrations | Concentrations |
In most cases, the comparison on sidestream smoke broadly mirrored that of inhaled smoke. | In most cases, the comparison on sidestream smoke broadly mirrored that of inhaled smoke. |
However, in the case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the toxin linked to infertility, the researchers found concentrations were actually higher in cigarette smoke. | However, in the case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the toxin linked to infertility, the researchers found concentrations were actually higher in cigarette smoke. |
The study also showed little difference in the concentrations of a range of chemicals, including chromium, nickel, arsenic and selenium. | The study also showed little difference in the concentrations of a range of chemicals, including chromium, nickel, arsenic and selenium. |
Lead researcher David Moir said: "The consumption of marijuana through smoking remains a reality and among the young seems to be increasing. | Lead researcher David Moir said: "The consumption of marijuana through smoking remains a reality and among the young seems to be increasing. |
"The confirmation of the presence of known carcinogens and other chemical is important information for public health." | "The confirmation of the presence of known carcinogens and other chemical is important information for public health." |
Dr Richard Russell, a specialist at the Windsor Chest Clinic, said: "The health impact of cannabis is often over-looked amid the legal debate. | Dr Richard Russell, a specialist at the Windsor Chest Clinic, said: "The health impact of cannabis is often over-looked amid the legal debate. |
"Evidence shows it is multiplied when it is cannabis compared to tobacco. "Tobacco from manufacturers has been enhanced and cleaned whereas cannabis is relatively unprocessed and therefore is a much dirtier product. | "Evidence shows it is multiplied when it is cannabis compared to tobacco. "Tobacco from manufacturers has been enhanced and cleaned whereas cannabis is relatively unprocessed and therefore is a much dirtier product. |
"These findings do not surprise me. The toxins from cannabis smoke cause lung inflammation, lung damage and cancer." | "These findings do not surprise me. The toxins from cannabis smoke cause lung inflammation, lung damage and cancer." |
Stephen Spiro, of the British Lung Foundation, added the findings were "a great worry". | Stephen Spiro, of the British Lung Foundation, added the findings were "a great worry". |
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