APA News

  • Kent Public Analyst identifies health risk from counterfeit tobacco


    In a recent news item on the BBC website , APA President Jon Griffin commented on the health risks associated with counterfeit cigarettes being sold on Facebook.

    Cheap tobacco purchased by BBC South East was found to contain double the lead content and a third more cadmium than genuine products. Undercover reporters arranged to meet a seller in Tunbridge Wells and purchased items marketed as Mayfair cigarettes and Amber Leaf rolling tobacco.When analysed, they were found to have higher than normal levels of lead and cadmium - both toxic metals that can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and brain.

    Jon who is Public Analyst at Kent Scientific Services, said: “We are not good as human beings in getting rid of contaminants.
    “So the likelihood is you are going to be taking in more of those contaminant metals and they will remain in your system in organs, in the brain, in other organs in the body and you will not get rid of them.
    “Over a period of time there’s a bigger potential health risk.”


    The story is due to feature on BBC South East tonight (Friday 31st March)