The largest tobacco company in the USA has disputed claims that the average amount of nicotine in cigarettes has risen significantly from 1998 to 2004.

Massachusetts health officials had reported on August 29th, that the amount of inhalable nicotine in 21 Marlboro brands rose 8.6 percent from the start to the end of the seven years evaluated, in comparison with a company study, which included three fewer brands, and found a 2.2 percent increase during a nine year period.

In a statement the cigarette manufacturer says it’s own data has shown that “no general trend” could be discerned in nicotine levels in 18 of its brands.

The company also says small variations are a normal part of cigarette production.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is standing by their study which they say was based on data supplied by the tobacco companies, including Philip Morris.

The company’s response has come almost two weeks after the release of the state study and tobacco companies Lorillard and R.J. Reynolds have to date declined to comment.

The state study which was released last month, found higher levels of nicotine in all classes of cigarettes, including those branded “light”; nicotine is the chemical that creates the addiction to cigarettes.

The nicotine levels in the state and company studies were both determined by using a machine that simulates a typical smoker’s puffing and in the statement Philip Morris says “many public health authorities agree that machine test methods are not an accurate way to determine what is actually delivered to the smoker’s lungs”.

But tobacco control specialists say the technique adopted by Massachusetts authorities is believed to be reliable.