EDITORS’ NOTE

In 2002, Dr. Hubert Klus wrote a guest editorial introducing a review article on “Effects of Ingredients on Cigarette Smoke Composition and Biological Activity: A Literature Overview” [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 20 (2002) 107-247]. On this occasion, he turned to some historical facts on the monitoring and regulation of additives used for tobacco products. He reported that already some 200 years ago stringent rules were set up in Nuremberg for the correct use of ingredients in manufacturing tobacco products (and vinegar)! In the decade from 2000 on, a wealth of valuable scientific information as well as opinionated reviews were published on the potential effects of additives on consumer behavior and health. Therefore, we believe that the critical review in this issue is important and right on time.

It is with great sadness that we have to inform our readers that Professor ZHU Zunquan passed away in July. He was one of the most important scientists in tobacco research in China. He was born in 1919 in Xiangyang, China, and has for a long time been honorary or visiting professor of four universities in China. Of Professor Zhu's large spectrum of scientific publications we would like to mention especially the books “Cigarette Manufacturing Technology” and “Tobacco Technology”. Professor Zhu served also as executive editor of the journals “Tobacco Science and Technology” and “ActaTabacariaSinica”. Dr. Nicolas Baskevitch wrote a personal obituary for this issue.