Did you know that nicotine is a colorless and odorless substance, and that it is found in small quantities in most commonly-used vegetables?
Its addictive qualities should be taken seriously by those who use tobacco and other nicotine-containing products. Approximately 80 percent of smokers are addicted to nicotine1, so it is not risk-free substance. Nevertheless, nicotine is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases2.
Nicotine is mainly sourced from plants. It is not only found in tobacco, as it is also present in small quantities in potatoes, tomatoes and aubergines. Nicotine is formed from the combination of two chemical compounds: pyridine and pyrrolidine. It is first formed in the roots of the plants, and is finally delivered to the leaves.
The role of nicotine in the life-cycle of a plant is still not clear. It is assumed that it has a defensive function against pests.
Nicotine can also be produced synthetically, however, this process is very costly. Therefore, the nicotine used in both - nicotine replacement therapies and e-cigarettes is usually obtained from tobacco.
When a cigarette is burned, smoke containing nicotine is emitted. When this smoke is inhaled, nicotine enters the lungs and is absorbed into the blood and delivered to the brain. Besides stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for emotions, nicotine also affects the heart and the blood vessels.
According to experts, despite being an addictive substance, nicotine is not the primary cause3 of smoking-related diseases. They have determined that most of these diseases are caused by the smoke that is inhaled when the tobacco is burned. This smoke contains numerous harmful substances, including carcinogens, tar, solid particulates and carbon monoxid4.
Smokeless products do not require the burning of tobacco, so the amount of harmful substances is up to 95 percent lower when compared to cigarette smoke5. Thus, science-based smokeless alternatives can reduce the harm caused by smoking and deliver nicotine in a less harmful way.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women, as well as people who have experienced heart disease or high blood pressure, should abstain from using nicotine-containing products. Selling tobacco and other products containing nicotine to minors is strictly prohibited.
More interesting and relevant information about smokeless alternatives will be available soon.
1 The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
2,4 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
3,5 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Tobacco heating systems are designed to be used by adults. These systems are not risk-free. Nicotine is an addictive substance.
