A team of scientists discovered that nicotine reduction in cigarettes makes them less addictive and could possibly curb smoking rates

Scientists studied how reducing nicotine levels affected smokers’ habits, while putting accent on vulnerable smokers, poverty-stricken women and people with mental health issues.

The study found that lowering nicotine levels reduces the addiction potential of cigarettes. The study also states that “in relatively healthy and socially stable smokers … reducing nicotine content of cigarettes reduces their attractiveness”.

“This study provides a very encouraging indication that reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes would help vulnerable populations,” said Professor Stephen Higgins, leader of the study.

“This is highly encouraging news with tremendous potential to improve public health.”

Consequently, the Food and Drugs Administration in the US are going to impose changes on cigarettes in order to “protect kids and significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and death”.

If this decision has successful results, expert in Britain have claimed that they are going to adopt it, too.

“A number of studies have examined reducing the nicotine in cigarettes, with promising results,” Linda Bauld, professor of health policy, University of Stirling, mentioned

“This would make smoking less appealing and addictive. In carefully controlled trials, there is some evidence it could help smokers cut down or quit.

“However, there will be big challenges implementing this in the real world.

“Cigarettes are available globally, and selling less addictive products in the USA could result in a black market in imported or counterfeit products.”

Source: independent.co.uk