The Evolution of Cigarette Filters: A Historical Overview

Cigarettes have had a long and embattled history. The cigarette filter was created as a way to help prolong that history. The cigarette filter has only been in existence for a brief time compared to the history of cigarettes in general. Filters have been in existence since the middle of the 20th Century while cigarettes have only been available since the 18th Century.

First Filters

• The first cigarette filters were introduced in 1952 by Lorillard for its "Kent" brand. The first menthol filter was introduced in 1956 by RJ Reynolds for its "Salem" brand.

Reason for Filters

• Studies linking smoking and lung cancer had begun as early as the 1950s. This led to the tobacco companies inventing a way to screen out tar and nicotine.

Micronite Filter

• The Micronite filter was the first cigarette filter which was made of fiber similar to modern house insulation. This filter was discontinued in 1956.

Cipollone Filter

• In 1954 the "L&M" Brand begins using a Cipollone filter. This filter became widely used, and well known in the "Newport" brand as the "Fiberglass Filter."

Litigation

• Cigarette filters were the subject of many legal cases including a famous case in 1983 which caused the end of the Cipollone filter by 1988. Filters have also been proven to not reduce nicotine as was claimed in many legal actions.