A research carried out at the Harvard School of Public Health comes out with some astonishing facts. The nicotine levels in cigarettes increased from 1997 until 2005, at an average of 1.6% increase each year.
The study examined nicotine levels in more than 100 brands over a six-year period. The study showed a steady climb in the amount of nicotine delivered to the lungs of smokers.
It is not clear as how did the manufacturers increase the nicotine content, either in the raw tobacco, or the type of tobacco they’re using or the addition of more nicotine to the reconstituted tobacco.
Expectedly, the cigarette manufacturers have disputed the findings of the studies.
Health department officials are gravely concerned as the higher nicotine levels made it easier to get hooked on cigarettes and harder to quit.
People knowing fully well the fatal potential of this addiction, still smoke.
Source : Lexington Herald Leader