The use of a novel tobacco-substitute sheet and smoke dilution to reduce toxicant yields in cigarette smoke

► We describe the use of a glycerol bearing tobacco-substitute sheet in cigarettes. ► In cigarettes it dilutes mainstream smoke with glycerol and reduces machine measured yields of a number of smoke toxicants. ► Responses of in-vitro assays to mainstream smoke condensate are reduced in line with the extent of dilution. ► Exposure of smokers to nicotine, smoke particulates and NNK were reduced in human trials with these cigarettes. ► The sensory character of the smoke, and reduction of some toxicants remain technical challenges.