Asbestos Filter Cigarettes

Kent Cigarettes Asbestos Filters

Hollingsworth & Vose Company, also known as H&V Specialties, produced crocidolite asbestos filter cigarettes for Lorillard Tobacco Company’s “Kent Micronite” brand cigarettes from 1952 to 1956. The company argued asbestos provided a finer filtration of irritants and provided users with a more enjoyable smoking experience. However, over time, asbestos exposure can lead to severe health conditions like mesothelioma cancer. Some experts also believe crocidolite asbestos is the most dangerous mineral form. Crocidolite asbestos is finer, sharper, and easier to inhale than other types of asbestos, making them more likely to cause irritation and cancer cells.

Those at risk for asbestos exposure to asbestos filters include:

• Consumers that smoked Kent asbestos filter cigarettes from 1952 and 1956
• Those employed at the Lorillard Tobacco Company factories in Jersey City, New Jersey, or Louisville, Kentucky
• Those employed at Hollingsworth & Vose in West Groton or Rochdale, Massachusetts

Learn more about Kent Micronite filters, the associated dangers like lung cancer, and how to receive legal compensation.

Kent Crocidolite Fiber Cigarettes – Lung Cancer Risk

Kent Micronite cigarette filters used crocidolite asbestos from 1952 until 1956. The company believed the filters improved users’ smoking experience and better filtered fine toxic particles. A single filter contained around 10 mg of crocidolite, meaning a person smoking a pack of Kent cigarettes would inhale more than 131 million crocidolite structures longer than 5 microns a year. However, manufacturers did not understand there were putting users at risk for cancer and other medical conditions. In fact, the companies boasted that “Micronite is a pure, dust-free, completely harmless material that is so safe, so effective, it actually is used to help filter the air in operating rooms.”

Crocidolite asbestos is considered the most dangerous form of asbestos in the amphibole family, and it is made up of microscopic, sharp fibers that are easy to inhale. Many call this type of asbestos “blue asbestos” due to its coloring and physical appearance. According to studies, crocidolite is so dangerous it may be responsible for more illnesses, late-stage cancer like stage 3, and deaths than any other type of asbestos.

Crocidolite asbestos originates from mines in South Africa, Bolivia, and Australia. The first identification of the connection between blue asbestos and mesothelioma was in 1960 by pathologist J. Christopher Wagner when he reported mesothelioma cases and stage 4 lung cancer in the mining region of South Africa.

Did Old Cigarettes Have Asbestos?

It’s important to note that not all old cigarettes contained asbestos. Specifically, Kent Micronite asbestos filter cigarettes from 1952 to 1956 were the ones that incorporated asbestos cigarette filters. Currently, cigarette filters do not contain asbestos as they are primarily made of cellulose acetate. The purpose of these filters is to help reduce the intake of harmful substances like tar and nicotine. However, it’s worth mentioning that approximately 10% of cigarettes do not have a filter at all. This material aimed to withhold harmful cigarette substances like tar and nicotine.

The effects of smoking with a filter have been a subject of debate among experts. Some studies suggest that using filtered cigarettes may cause individuals to inhale more deeply, potentially enabling the toxins to penetrate deeper into the lungs and exacerbate the harm caused by smoking. While the impact of filters on smoking-related health risks continues to be a topic of discussion, it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers associated with smoking and to prioritize overall well-being by considering healthier alternatives or seeking support to quit smoking altogether.

Dangers of Asbestos Cigarette Filters

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious medical conditions like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. However, these conditions can take 20 to 70 years to develop. This means that many patients often go undiagnosed or pass before they can implement treatment options. To shed light on the devastating impact of asbestos exposure, an oncologist conducted a study in the 1980s, closely monitoring the health status of 33 former employees of these businesses. The findings painted a grim picture. Out of the 33 employees studied, an overwhelming 28 had tragically passed away, with 18 of them succumbing to asbestos-related diseases. Furthermore, four of the five survivors had experienced and endured the burden of asbestos-related conditions.

Recognizing the symptoms associated with chest cancers is crucial when it comes to survival rate and treatment. Common chest cancer symptoms include severe chest pain, painful coughing, infection in the lungs, and complete exhaustion. You must receive medical attention if you are experiencing asbestos-related symptoms from asbestos filter cigarettes. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma and lung cancer patients will begin a unique treatment plan.

Although therapy is an individual experience, standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. Discuss these treatment options with your doctor to decide what suits your cancer journey. Remember, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Support and resources are available to assist you in navigating the challenges ahead. Contact healthcare professionals in your community and support networks specializing in asbestos-related diseases. They can provide valuable guidance, offer unwavering emotional support, and ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need on your journey toward recovery.

Legal Compensation and Asbestos Cigarettes

It’s difficult to imagine adding a deadly carcinogen like asbestos to a product already linked to cancer & bragging about the health benefits. Still, the inclusion of a deadly carcinogen like asbestos in a product already associated with cancer is a disturbing reality. Lorillard Tobacco and Hollingsworth & Vose knowingly exposed employees and users to significant risks by producing Kent tobacco cigarettes with asbestos filters. We understand the sense of betrayal and injustice that individuals like you may feel. It is essential to know that if you develop mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of exposure to these asbestos filter cigarettes, you may be entitled to compensation.

The legal consequences of this hazardous practice have led to significant compensation being awarded to affected individuals. Many have received millions of dollars in recognition of the harm they have suffered. Our dedicated patient advocate team is here to support you throughout your journey, providing the expertise and guidance you need to navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now. We are committed to standing by your side, advocating for your rights, and ensuring you receive the assistance you need to pursue justice.