The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule to limit nicotine levels in selected tobacco products to 0.7 mg per gram. Nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products is drastically increasing the number of addicts. is their primary addictive element. Therefore, the purpose of this proposed limit is to reduce the number of tobacco users in the future.
The FDA’s proposed limit is restricted to known harmful products, such as cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and most cigars. However, this does not apply to other nicotine products including vapes, nicotine pouches, and pods. Maybe because these products have less concentration of harmful substances and are an alternative to quit tobacco smoking.
Nicotine and Tobacco
Nicotine is the most addictive substance in tobacco products. It negatively impacts the cardiovascular, respiratory, and other body systems. Nicotine is, however, not the only harmful product in cigarettes. Chemicals, such as arsenic and benzene, are some of many known carcinogens in tobacco products and equally cause harm.
The proposed limit aims to reduce the impact of at least one of the many carcinogens. Furthermore, it provides dual advantages to smokers. Firstly, minimum amount of nicotine will reduce the harmful effects on the body of smokers. And secondly, it will limit the overall usage of tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars. Moreover, reducing the risk of cancer, lungs malfunctioning, and breathing disorders.
Nicotine Limit Proposal – Past and Present
The FDA proposed rule to limit nicotine in tobacco products has not surfaced for the first time. The agency initially announced its intent for a similar proposal in 2018 during the tenure of President-elect Donald Trump. Even after another proposal, this will not become a rule or law for several more months. FDA has issued September 15 as the last date for the public to give remarks and further steps will be taken then.
The developments within this proposal will be administered by Martyn Makery, the surgeon Trump appointed as FDA head. If the proposal goes ahead according to expectations, the US will become the first country to take this daring step.
Reactions
People in favor of limiting smoking and its means highly appraised the step taken by the FDA. The director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, Brian King, had a positive view of this development. He says this measure will reduce the use of tobacco products in the country, resulting in better health outcomes. FDA officially said that their proposed nicotine level is low enough to not cause addiction and would assist in youth smoking prevention.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, also favored this decision. However, he was not happy about excluding non-tobacco products from this expected change. Therefore, he suggested limiting the nicotine in all products.
“Making tobacco products non-addictive would dramatically reduce the number of young people who become hooked when they are experimenting. However, to fully address the toll of tobacco on our nation’s health and across all communities, we urge the FDA to reduce nicotine levels to nonaddictive levels in all tobacco products, including all cigars, hookah, and e-cigarettes,” he said. Visit Benefits by State for more insights.
