PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - N Gray AU - P Boyle TI - The case of the disappearing nitrosamines: a potentially global phenomenon AID - 10.1136/tc.2003.005579 DP - 2004 Mar 01 TA - Tobacco Control PG - 13--16 VI - 13 IP - 1 4099 - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/1/13.short 4100 - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/1/13.full SO - Tob Control2004 Mar 01; 13 AB - The cigarette usually carries in its smoke significant doses of carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), which have been implicated as causes of oral, lung, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancer. However, there is substantial variation in nitrosamine content of the smoke of modern cigarettes. This variation is both unacceptable and unnecessary, as TSNAs can be readily removed during the manufacturing process. Removing a known carcinogen needs no justification, even though proof of benefit may not be forthcoming for decades.