Level of nicotine increasing in cigarettes

Just when people are trying to quit smoking, the increased level of nicotine is making them all the more addicted.

Reports released on Tuesday by the Massachusetts Department of Health revealed that in the past six years, the level of nicotine in cigarettes has been rocketed up by 10% and is one of the main factors responsible for the dependence-forming properties of tobacco smoking.

Massachusetts, among two other countries, gathers reports from tobacco companies regarding nicotine, a sedative as well as a stimulant. The recent study shows a steady increase in the level of nicotine going in the lungs of the smokers, regardless of brands.

Paul Cote Jr, a public health commissioner said that the findings were significant and is the first report to be released on nicotine content this year. He said that the findings were conducted for the health care centers, to let them know that the smokers are getting more nicotine than in the past and may need additional help in trying to quit.

Marlboro, Newport and Camel, the most popular cigarette brands, have considerably raised the amount of nicotine in their products.

The manufactures of these brands rejected to comment on the findings of the study.

Studies done six years earlier showed that out of the 116 brands, nicotine content for 84% fell in the category of high range. The recent study not only showed the increase in the number of brands, but also demoed that out of the 179 cigarette brands, 93% had high nicotine content.

The study tried to measure nicotine levels by taking into consideration the amount of nicotine absorbed by the body from smoking, which in turn depends on many factors, including the type of tobacco, whether the smoke is inhaled, or whether a filter is used.

As more and more people are becoming aware of hazards cause by smoking and are realizing the benefits of quitting, manufacturers are trying their best to keep smokers hooked.

The illnesses caused by intake of nicotine and tobacco causes more deaths than AIDS, car accidents, homicides, suicides and poisonings combined. It is also noted that the majority of people diagnosed with schizophrenia smoke tobacco.