Pipe Filters and Health Risks

Do pipe filters and similar devices reduce health risks and make smoking safer?

First, let me be clear that I am not an expert on smoking related diseases or cancer prevention. As to what constitutes "high" risk versus "low" risk, I am simply not qualified to say. If you have particular health concerns about smoking, I recommend speaking to your doctor.

It's important to acknowledge that all forms of smoking and tobacco use involve certain risks and health hazards. However, even if all the risk cannot be eliminated, there are several things that smokers can do to reduce dangers. Reducing the frequency and duration of smoking, smoking milder tobaccos, and using filters can help. But just reducing risks doesn't mean pipe smoking is "healthy" or "good for you." (Ironically, the 1964 Surgeon General's report indicated that pipe smokers who did not inhale actually lived longer than non-smokers and those who did inhale lived about as long as non-smokers! Some speculate this is because pipe smoking helps relieve stress, which is an aid to overall health.)

Now on to the question about pipe filters and reducing health risks.

On the one hand, we could note that filters have done nothing to make cigarette smoking healthier. In fact, some evidence indicates that filters have caused more harm for cigarette smokers. This is because filters impede access to tar and nicotine, which will cause a habitual smoker to unconsciously draw more deeply in order to obtain what his body craves. Also, the filters can cause a false sense of safety, which makes people feel free to smoke more frequently. These things combine to actually produce greater health risks.

On the other hand, testing and practical experience do seem to indicate that certain risks associated with smoking can be reduced by using filters and other similar devices.

For example, the patented Savinelli balsa filtering system has been tested both by the EURATOM Research Center of Ispra (Italy) and by the CHEMICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY Inc. Research Center (USA) with very positive results: "..the filter has the ability to absorb 77% of the nicotine and 91% of the tar contained in tobacco without altering the flavour of same." Another great features of the Savinelli pipes with the filters system, is that the pipe can be smoked with or without the filter by using a simple converter or adapter tube that comes with each pipe.

As for the paper filters by companies such as Medico or Dr. Grabow, I have not seen any documentation or read any studies that present actual statistics or data. However, I can tell you that the paper filters work on the simple principle of breaking up the smoke as it passes through the filter. Nicotine, tar, and other irritants are trapped in the cellphane covered, absorbent paper (similar to the balsa wood in the Savinelli system. The fact that the filters turn brown (or darker) when used indicates that they are doing something. This is also true of the Denicool Pipe Crystals, which turn black during smoking demonstrating that they are absorbing some of the tar, nicotine, and juices produced during combustion of tobacco.

While smoking in any form is not healthy, it is fair to point out there are many things in life that are not good for us, but we still do them because we enjoy them. That's not a reason or excuse, of course, but simply an acknowledgement that all people take calculated risks throughout their lives. For example, eating at McDonald's can contribute to high cholesterol, obesity, and other serious health problems. Millions are addicted to coffee and drink it daily, even though the effects of caffeine (a stimulant) has adverse impact on health. Tens of thousands suffer from high blood pressure, but they still eat salt in high quantities, which dramatically increases various risks for cardio and vascular problems.

Having said all that, let me say again that I am no expert on these health issues. I try to stay informed so I can make reasonable decisions about my own practices. Where there are risks, I do whatever I can to minimize those risks, including using filters on many of my pipes. For those who find their consciences plagued about health concerns, I would suggest not smoking at all. Smoking is a pleasure to be savored, not something to force upon yourself if you have legitimate concerns. The bottom line is that we must take responsibility for our own lives and the choices we make.

Savinelli Balsa System and Pipe Issues

Will the Savinelli Balsa System eliminate tongue bite and other troublesome issues?

Talking about the practical, "real world" effectiveness of the Savinelli balsa system here. I have used the system for many years. In my experience, the balsa system is by far the very best option available, especially when compared to other filtering or "condenser" systems.

             Image source: firecured.blogspot.it

As specified in other posts, the balsa system has been tested by independent companies and was found to be highly effective at removing unwanted components from the smoke. This is important if one wishes to minimize the potential harmful nature of smoking. And as nature's most absorbent wood, the balsa also does a great job trapping excess moisture, which helps keep the smoke cool and dry.

However, no filter system in the world can completely prevent tongue bite or keep the smoke cool if proper smoking technique isn't used. For example, if one were to puff ferociously on their pipe, it would almost certainly burn too hotly, resulting in tongue bite. Or if one chooses to smoke tobacco that is very moist, the extra moisture will undoubtedly result in a wet smoking experience or gurgling pipe. Or if one were to smoke his pipe in extremely windy conditions, the ember could be stoked excessively, creating pipe burnout. In other words, there is no substitute for learning proper technique and smoking one's pipe slowly and gently.

So what's the bottom line? Pipe makers and companies have been seeking the ultimate solution to tongue bite and wet smokes for decades. Every product is advertised as though it is the perfect fix. The truth of the matter is that experience and patience are the best solution to the common issues of pipe smoking. It's true, the balsa filters are helpful, and they can reduce some of the difficulties people experience when smoking a pipe. But they are not a "magic cure." If someone experiences severe problems when smoking a pipe, it is unlikely that the balsa system (or any other system) will instantly solve the problems.

Using Savinelli Balsa Filters

How do I use Savinelli Balsa Filters?

Savinelli Balsa filters are very simple to use, but they require a pipe designed to work with filters. On such a pipe, instead of the normal draft (air) hole in the tenon of the pipe, you will find a larger "filter chamber" where the filters are inserted. Most of Savinelli's pipes are designed to work with the Balsa System, but the balsa filters can be used with filter pipes from other companies as well.

                  Image source: haddockspipeshop.com

To use the filters, simply take one of the triangular shaped balsa filters and insert it into the filter chamber of the pipe. Then insert the tenon (stem) into the shank of the pipe as you normally would. Fill the bowl with your favorite tobacco and enjoy! That's all there is to it.

The filter is designed to absorb moisture, tar, and other impurities that are present in the smoke. This occurs when the smoke passes through the filter as you smoke; there's nothing special that you need to do.

When you are finished smoking, and after your pipe has cooled down, you should remove the filter and clean your pipe as usual. Some folks allow the balsa filter to dry and then reuse it several times. I prefer to use the filters only once, but that is a personal choice. If you do reuse the filters, they should be discarded after they start to turn color from absorbing tar and other impurities from the smoke.

                 Image source: pfeifenkonsulat.at

Many filter pipes are also "convertible," meaning they can be smoked without filters by using a small "converter tube" instead. The converter is merely a small cylindrical tube made of vulcanite or acrylic. It should be inserted into the filter chamber of the tenon just like a filter would be. If a pipe designed for filters were smoked without a balsa filter or converter tube, the large diameter of the filter chamber would allow too much airflow through the pipe. This would create several problems, such as increased combustion temperatures (causing painful tongue bite and possibly leading to pipe burnout) or promote excess condensation (causing pipe gurgle). The converter tube simply reduces the diameter of the filter chamber to be like that of a normal "non-filtered" pipe.

For additional information about the Savinelli Balsa Filter System, click here.

Savinelli Balsa System

What is the Savinelli Balsa System?

The Savinelli Balsa System is an ingenious and easy to use filtering system for tobacco pipes. It was developed by Achille Savinelli and the Savinelli research team. They first conceived the idea of using nature's most absorbent wood to do two things:

• It would absorb any moisture that might travel beyond the confines of the pipe bowl, and
• It would have a cooling affect on the smoke as it traveled around this unique absorptive material.

         Image Source: savinelli.it

Extensive testing verified that no matter what type of tobacco one used or how "hot" one tried to smoke a pipe, tongue bite was dramatically reduced and moisture was trapped by the balsa filter instead of passing to the mouth. Further testing also showed that the Balsa insert had properties that retained tar and nicotine that might be present in some tobaccos. For example, both by the EURATOM Research Center of Ispra (Italy) and the CHEMICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY Inc. Research Center (USA) both conducted independent studies with very positive results: "..the filter has the ability to absorb 77% of the nicotine and 91% of the tar contained in tobacco without altering the flavour of same."

In order to accomodate the balsa filter, a new type of tenon (the part of mouthpiece that goes into the end of shank of the pipe) was developed. But at the same time, Achille Savinelli insisted that his customers have the freedom to use or not use the revolutionary system as they chose. So, a converter or adapter consisting of a simple tube was designed to be used when the smoker decided he did not want to use the new balsa system. The small tube is simply inserted into the end of the tenon instead of a balsa filter and the pipe smoked just like any other non-filtered pipe. (The small tube is necessary to reduce the size of the airway so the pipe doesn't burn too hotly.)

Savinelli Balsa Filters (6mm)