London: Doctors are warning that a new cigarette which the manufacturers claim is less harmful than current brands, is still dangerous to health.

The cigarette, developed by scientists at British American Tobacco would feature a new type of filter said to remove more of the toxins released during smoking. The tobacco would also be treated to reduce levels of cancer-causing toxins. The company has yet to launch the cigarette to consumers.

Experts have condemned the launch as a cynical marketing play and John Britton, professor of epidemiology at Nottingham University and a consultant in respiratory medicine at Nottingham City Hospital said that inhaling smoke in any form was harmful. He said the new cigarettes would be like jumping from the 15th floor insted of the 20th floor.

BAT spokesman said it was working to develop a less harmful cigarette but it was still at a research stage.