Nicotine and Cardiovascular Health: When Poison is Addictive – a WHF Policy Brief

Nicotine is universally recognized as the primary addictive substance fuelling the continued use of tobacco products, which are responsible for over 8 million deaths annually. In recent years, the popularity of newer recreational nicotine products has surged drastically in many countries, raising health and safety concerns. For decades, the tobacco industry has promoted the myth that nicotine is as harmless as caffeine. Nonetheless, evidence shows that nicotine is far from innocuous, even on its own. In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated that nicotine can harm multiple organs, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Tobacco and recreational nicotine products are commercialized in various types and forms, delivering varying levels of nicotine along with other toxic compounds. These products deliver nicotine in profiles that can initiate and perpetuate addiction, especially in young populations. Notably, some electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products (HTP) can deliver concentrations of nicotine that are comparable to those of traditional cigarettes. Despite being regularly advertised as such, ENDS and HTP have demonstrated limited effectiveness as tobacco cessation aids in real-world settings. Furthermore, ENDS have also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are proven to be safe and effective medications for tobacco cessation. NRTs are designed to release nicotine in a slow and controlled manner, thereby minimizing the potential for abuse. Moreover, the long-term safety of NRTs has been extensively studied and documented. The vast majority of tobacco and nicotine products available in the market currently contain nicotine derived from tobacco leaves. However, advancements in the chemical synthesis of nicotine have introduced an economically viable alternative source. The tobacco industry has been exploiting synthetic nicotine to circumvent existing tobacco control laws and regulations. The emergence of newer tobacco and recreational nicotine products, along with synthetic nicotine, pose a tangible threat to established tobacco control policies. Nicotine regulations need to be responsive to address these evolving challenges. As such, governments should regulate all tobacco and non-medical nicotine products through a global, comprehensive, and consistent approach in order to safeguard tobacco control progress in past decades

Physical and chemical characterization of smokeless tobacco products in India

Abstract The rapid proliferation of smokeless tobacco (SLT) in India has occurred without adequate information on the possible dangers and toxicity of these products. Tobacco flavors as well as nicotine (both protonated and un-protonated) are responsible for health dangers and addiction. The study aimed to offer information on the physical characteristics of commonly used smokeless tobacco products (including microscopic analysis), along with nicotine content (both total and un-protonated), pH, moisture, and flavors. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Tobacco Testing Laboratory TobLabNet) were applied for the analysis of various constituents of the SLTs. The microscopic analysis indicated that some of the SLT products like khaini were finely processed and available in filter pouches for users’ convenience and prolonged use leading to prolonged retention and addiction potential. Nicotine absorption and availability (both protonated and un-protonated) are affected by moisture and pH. Essences provide a pleasant aroma and flavor, with an increased risk of misuse and other health problems. Few chewing tobacco and Zarda had the lowest levels of un-protonated nicotine (0.10–0.52% and 0.15–0.21%, respectively), whereas Gul, Gudhaku, and Khaini had the highest levels, ranging from 95.33 to 99.12%. Moisture and pH ranged from 4.54 to 50.19% and 5.25–10.07 respectively. Menthol (630.74–9681.42 µg/g) was the most popular flavour, followed by Eucalyptol (118.16–247.77 µg/g) and camphor (148.67 and 219.317 µg/g). SLT’s health concerns and addiction dangers are exacerbated by the high proportion of bioavailable nicotine coupled with flavors. The findings of this study have important implications for the regulation and use of SLT in countries where use of SLT is prevalent