Asbestos in Kent Cigarette Filters
Cigarette maker Kent first introduced cigarette filters in 1952. Between 1952 and 1956, these cigarette filters contained asbestos. Fortunately, these asbestos filters were replaced many years before asbestos products were banned. But, for those who smoked Kent cigarettes from 1952 to 1956 and are now suffering from Mesothelioma, this is not much comfort.
Crocidolite Asbestos used in Kent Cigarette Filters
Between 1952 and 1956, the asbestos used in Kent cigarette filters was a type of asbestos known as Crocidolite (or “blue”) asbestos. This type of asbestos is commonly considered the most dangerous form of asbestos if inhaled, and also the most carcinogenic. As a result, there are a number of cancer (Mesothelioma) cases that can be traced back to people using these Crocidolite Kent cigarette filters during this period.The Possibility of Crocidolite Asbestos Causing Lung Disease Was Known at the Time Asbestos was Used in Kent Cigarette Filters
A number of cases suggest that the company involved in using asbestos in Kent cigarette filters knew what they were doing at the time that they were creating these cigarette filters. One case, mentioned on the tobaccodocuments.org website states that, “The defendants in this case have admitted to manufacturing asbestos-containing filter media and cigarette filters for use on Kent cigarettes during the years 1952 through 1956. The Kent cigarettes that the defendants placed into the stream of commerce were intended to be smoked and inhaled by smokers. An integral part of this product involved the famous ‘Micronite’ filter. The ‘secret’ ingredient, which Lollilard claimed made the ‘Micronite’ filter so special, turns out to be crocidolite asbestos - a substance which both defendants knew could cause lung disease at the time they were placing it in the filter.”Crocidolite asbestos was not, it would seem, put innocently into Kent cigarette filters. The result being that today, many people are suffering the consequences either through having Mesothelioma themselves or their family members suffering from it. Crocidolite asbestos used in Kent cigarette filters is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos there is, and when someone is exposed to it, their chances of contracting Mesothelioma increase sharply.
