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Abstract

Methods for treating tobacco which result in the reduction of selected compounds from the tobacco smoke, and corresponding smoking articles containing this treated tobacco, are disclosed. In these methods, a solution containing a palladium salt is applied to the tobacco, preferably by spraying. The palladium salt preferably contains nitrate, chloride, acetate, citrate, gluconate, or salicylate as the anion. After application of the solution, the tobacco is preferably dried in an oven, by forced air, or by natural evaporation. The palladium in the treated tobacco results in the reduction in the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, especially benzo(a)pyrene, from the total particulate matter in mainstream and sidestream smoke of the treated tobacco. The addition of mannitol and/or urea to the tobacco, and introduction of ventilation in a cigarette containing the treated tobacco, enhance the ability of palladium to reduce the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the smoke.

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First Claim