Yields and daily consumption of cigarettes in Japan in 1969-1996.

Cigarette modification trends and the relationship between nicotine yields and consumption in Japan were examined over the 27 years between 1969-1996. Data on cigarette use were obtained from reports published by the government and tobacco manufacturers. Over the study period, there has been a coherent pattern of cigarette modification in Japan. The sales-weighted average yields have declined from 20.7 mg tar and 1.64 mg nicotine/cigarette in 1969 to 8.7 mg tar and 0.72 mg nicotine/cigarette in 1996. On the other hand, the average daily consumption per smoker has continuously increased over the same period. Average nicotine yields and daily cigarette consumption have significant negative correlations among both males and females. This relationship was observed even after controlling for the price changes of cigarettes over time. It is indicated that smokers have compensated for reduced nicotine yields by increasing daily consumption. This may have offset potential benefits of the continuous decline in tar and nicotine yields to smokers' health.