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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carrie M. Carpenter, MS, Geoffrey Ferris Wayne, MA, and Gregory Connolly, DMD, MPH. Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, 3rd Floor East, Boston, MA 02215, 617-998-1066, ccarpent@hsph.harvard.edu

While cigarette smoking is sustained by nicotine addiction, physical and chemical properties of tobacco smoke also provide important sensory stimulation to smokers. The contributing effects of sensory perception to smoking behavior have elicited increasing interest and could enhance our overall understanding of tobacco dependence. In this study, we examine internal tobacco industry documents to (1) describe the role of sensory perception in the smoking experience as measured by the tobacco industry, (2) highlight certain differences in sensory perception across specific smoker groups and determine whether these differences informed targeted product development, and (3) describe how internal sensory research may impact commercial tobacco products. Sensory attributes such as smoke texture, aroma, flavor, taste, and mouth feel contribute to smoker satisfaction and behavior, and differ among groups of smokers. Differences in sensory properties were explored in an effort to guide product development and target specific populations such as young smokers, women, and different ethnic groups. Cigarette manufacturers have capitalized on such differences by tailoring products for specific populations in an effort to maximize pleasurable and minimize negative sensory stimulation. This information is an important area of study and can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of nicotine addiction and smoking cessation.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify sensory aspects of cigarette smoke of interest to the tobacco industry,
• Define the role of sensory perception in smoking behavior and satisfaction,
• Assess how tobacco manufacturers have researched sensory perception and targeted specific smoker groups

Keywords: Tobacco,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered