FDA Moves to Slash Nicotine in Cigarettes
Proposal Aims to Reduce Nicotine Levels by 95%
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a proposal to drastically lower nicotine levels in cigarettes sold in the U.S. If finalized, the change would mean that cigarettes would lose their ability to hook most people into addiction.
Why Nicotine Matters
Nicotine is the substance in cigarettes that makes them so addictive. When tobacco is burned, it releases toxins known to cause cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Nicotine is what hooks people on cigarettes, making it difficult to quit.
Current Nicotine Levels
Levels of nicotine in cigarettes vary widely depending on the brand, but usually average 13 milligrams per cigarette. The FDA’s plan would limit nicotine in nearly all combustible tobacco products to 0.07 milligrams, a 95% reduction.
Impact on Public Health
Smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. The FDA estimates that, if finalized, the cap on nicotine could prevent 48 million kids and young adults from becoming addicted. The agency also predicts that nearly 13 million people would stop smoking within a year.
Long-Term Benefits
A 2018 study estimated that a nicotine cap would result in 16 million fewer people becoming addicted to smoking by the year 2060. That number would increase, per the study’s projection, to 33.1 million by 2100.
What’s Next?
The public will have a chance to weigh in on the FDA proposal until mid-September. Companies would have two years to make necessary changes if the rule is finalized.
Limitations of the Proposal
The FDA’s proposal does not include e-cigarettes, other vape products, hookahs, smokeless tobacco products, or nicotine replacement pouches. However, public health officials are urging the FDA to reduce nicotine levels to non-addictive levels in all tobacco products.
Conclusion
The FDA’s proposal to slash nicotine levels in cigarettes is a significant step towards reducing the harm caused by smoking. By making cigarettes less addictive, the agency hopes to break the cycle of addiction and reduce the number of people who start smoking.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the FDA’s proposal?
A: The proposal aims to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to make them less addictive and reduce the harm caused by smoking.
Q: How would the proposal affect nicotine levels in cigarettes?
A: The proposal would limit nicotine in nearly all combustible tobacco products to 0.07 milligrams, a 95% reduction.
Q: What is the impact of the proposal on public health?
A: The FDA estimates that the cap on nicotine could prevent 48 million kids and young adults from becoming addicted and nearly 13 million people would stop smoking within a year.
Q: What is the timeline for the proposal?
A: The public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposal until mid-September, and companies would have two years to make necessary changes if the rule is finalized.
