While some believe pipes and cigars are healthier than cigarettes, pipe and cigar smoke may be more harmful than once thought and a major known cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study directly links pipe and cigar smoking to decreased lung function.

Researchers conducted a population-based study to determine whether pipe and cigar smoking was associated with elevated cotinine levels (the end product of tobacco, which can be detected

in the urine), decrements in lung function, and increased odds of airflow obstruction. Among 3,528 participants, those who did not smoke cigarettes but did smoke pipes or cigars were more likely to have airflow obstruction than those who had never smoked.

The relative differences in cotinine levels may reflect differences in nicotine absorption but not necessarily exposure to harmful products of tobacco smoke While cotinine levels among current pipe and cigar smokers were lower than among current cigarette smokers.

 Michael B. Steinberg, MD, MPH, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in a related editorial stresses the importance of educating the public, and expresses concern for the rising rate of tobacco use in the United States.

Dr. Steinberg writes,“ We are now witnessing the concerning trend of increased use of other tobacco products. As changes in public health policy have made cigarette smoking less socially acceptable, a distinct set of characteristics are associated with cigar and pipe use, such as sophistication, affluence, education, and celebration. These images, largely fostered by the tobacco industry, perpetuate the idea that these products play a suitable role in our society.” (With Input from Agencies)