The holes found in the filter tips of Pall Mall cigarettes, and other brands, are ventilation holes designed to introduce diluting air into the smoke stream. This process is primarily intended to reduce the perceived strength of the cigarette's taste and flavor.
Understanding Filter Ventilation
These tiny perforations, often subtle and located around the filter, play a crucial role in modifying the smoking experience. When a smoker draws on the cigarette, these ventilation holes allow ambient air to mix with the smoke as it passes through the filter.
- Dilution of Smoke: The primary function of these holes is to dilute the smoke with air. This means that with each puff, the smoker inhales a mixture of smoke and fresh air, rather than pure smoke.
- Impact on Taste and Flavor: By diluting the smoke, the strength of the cigarette's taste and flavor is reduced. This can lead to a milder smoking experience.
- Misconception of "Lighter" Cigarettes: Historically, filter ventilation contributed to the perception of "light" or "mild" cigarettes, as the diluted smoke often resulted in lower machine-measured tar and nicotine yields. However, it's important to note that these lower yields do not necessarily translate to a reduced health risk for smokers.
How Ventilation Works
Filter ventilation is an integral part of modern cigarette design, influencing the chemical composition of the smoke inhaled.
- Air Influx: As the smoker inhales, air is drawn through the small holes in the filter paper.
- Smoke Mixing: This incoming air mixes with the smoke generated from the burning tobacco rod.
- Modified Stream: The resulting diluted smoke stream is what reaches the smoker's mouth and lungs.
This design feature allows manufacturers to alter the sensory characteristics of the cigarette, aiming for a less intense or smoother profile according to consumer preferences.
