Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph No. 7 
Figures 6 through 8 show smoke nicotine yields for the same set of 
cigarettes; however, the smoking machine puffing conditions are different 
for each figure. Like tar yield, the nicotine yield goes up with increased puff 
volume and increased puff frequency, and the relative yields among the 
categories remain ordered. Puff duration also has little if any effect on 
nicotine yields. 
Standard methods are used to provide information to consumers for 
products other than cigarettes. A classic example is the estimated 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gas mileage ratings for vehicles. 
Depending on driving habits, conditions, maintenance, and fuel type, a 
vehicle may get more or less mileage than indicated by the EPA estimate. 
Although few drivers will achieve the actual mileage listed for a vehicle, the 
mileage ratings do provide a means of relative comparison among vehicles. 
A potential buyer can use the information to determine if a particular vehicle 
would fit into his or her particular transportation and economic needs. 
Similarly, smokers have two primary considerations in making their 
choices in the cigarette marketplace. The FTC method provides comparative 
smoke yield information that is an essential part of that process. The second 
factor of taste is an individual preference that is made with the comparative 
information in mind. 
Figure 6 
Effect of puff volume on observed nicotine yields 
Lowest Tar Ultralight Full Flavor Light Full Flavor 
Brand Style 
Note: The puff duration for this experiment was 2 seconds; the puff frequency was one every 60 seconds. 
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