National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
RIVM has measured the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) in all filter cigarettes sold in the Netherlands with the WHO intense method. The TNCO levels measured with this method were up to 15 times higher than those measured with the legally prescribed ISO method.
When measured with the WHO Intense method, three of the brands had a nicotine level within the legal limit and in all brands the levels of tar and carbon monoxide exceeded the legal limit.
RIVM conducts research on the harmful effects of the use of tobacco and nicotine products. What impact has smoking on health, what makes tobacco and nicotine products attractive and addictive? RIVM aims to support global tobacco policymaking and enforcement of tobacco regulation.