Nicotine levels go up in American cigarettes by 11 %

It has been estimated that cigarette smoking causes 1 in 5 deaths a year in the US and about 900,000 people become addicted each year. Smoking causes 87 % of all lung cancer deaths and is responsible for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, esophagus, and bladder.

Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) conducted a research and checked the levels of nicotine in major brands of American cigarettes. They found that nicotine levels have gone up by 11% in the last seven years.

Researchers used data that were submitted by tobacco manufacturers. The reports included the machine-based measure of nicotine in the smoke and measures of cigarette design that enable the delivery of the nicotine.

After analyzing the received data, the researchers found that the tobacco manufacturers have been increasing the levels of nicotine by an average of 1.6 % annually for the period between 1998 and 2005 by directly increasing nicotine levels and by changing the design features to increase the delivery efficiency of nicotine.

By doing this, the companies have contributed to tobacco pandemic perpetuation. What is worse, no warning to consumers has been made regarding the matter.