A few days ago FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb was all over the news for his statement concerning maximum nicotine levels in cigarettes. As per the statement, reducing the levels of this addictive substance in cigarettes will help smokers to quit their habit easily. It is obvious that nicotine is addictive but is it all bad? Many people believe that nicotine gum is far less harmful than smoking. Doctors worldwide agree with it. Then why combustible cigarettes are risky to health?

Cigarettes and cigars are made from dried tobacco leaves. For flavor and to make smoking more pleasant makers add other ingredients to it. The burning of tobacco and its additives results in a smoke, a complex mixture of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are preservatives for the tobacco while others are intentionally mixed with tobacco to keep the smoker hooked. Many researches regarding the toxicities of combustible tobacco products conclude that it is these extra chemical elements known as pyrazines that causes health hazards. They acts synergistically with nicotine and promote addiction.

Psychologists and addiction specialists all over the world believes that it is time to distinguish clearly between nicotine and smoking. Considering E-cigarettes as a safer substitutes for cigarettes, the popularity of electronic cigarettes is on rise. These gadgets which people use to inhale nicotine laced vapor are often in debates. People consider these gadgets as a way to quit smoking as well.

Some researches states that like caffeine, nicotine can even have positive effects. It acts as a stimulant. It increases the speed of sensory information processing, easing tension and sharpening the mind. But studies do suggest that pure nicotine can be lethal in sufficient quantities. Overall, it looks like it is time to de-demonize nicotine. So, other than targeting nicotine alone isn’t it better to look into reducing pyrazines and other needless chemicals in cigarette to ensure less harmful products?