We have tested the samples obtained during the months of July and August 1994 and report as follows:
 

OBJECTIVE:

A study was undertaken for John Player & Son’s on the filters of cigarettes, of brands made in Canada to be analyzed for the presence of fiberglass. As the main component of fiberglass would be silicon (Si), it was determined by the undersigned that the identification of silicon in appreciable amounts would indicate fiberglass contamination in the filters and the raw acetate tow used in the manufacturing of the cigarette filter for the presence of silicon.
 

SAMPLE PROCUREMENT AND METHODS OF TESTING:

Samples of Canadian cigarette brands were purchased by Can Test Ltd. from retail outlets in the Vancouver area during the months of July and August 1994.

Of the 147 brands made in Canada, 101 brands were obtained in this way, which make up a 94% share of the Canadian market. Samples of the remaining 46 brands were obtained from other regions of Canada. Samples of cellulose acetate tows were provided by the two major suppliers to the Canadian cigarette industry -- Celanese Canada Inc. and Eastmanchem Inc.
 

METHOD OF TESTING:

In order to obtain some statistical data from the analysis, it was suggested that a minimum of three separate filters from each specific brand of cigarette be used in the analysis. Also that each sample be analyzed in triplicate (i.e. three different packages analyzed to produce three separate results).
 

CONCLUSION:

For filter cigarette brands having only cellulose acetate as filter material, there was no detectable silicon concentration found and therefore, it can be concluded that there is no fiberglass contamination.

Can Test Ltd.

Robert Dudley

Supervisor, Inorganic Testing