Separating fact from fiction.
Nicotine is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in tobacco. It is produced in the tobacco root and accumulates in the plant leaves.
Nicotine mimics one of the natural chemical messengers that cells in the human body use to communicate with each other. These cells are found in the brain, the nervous system, the heart and muscles.
When inhaled into the lungs, nicotine enters the bloodstream and is quickly distributed in the body, reaching the brain in about 10 to 20 seconds. Once it does so, it binds to specific brain receptors causing the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger. Dopamine plays an important role in inducing pleasure and reducing stress.
Nicotine does not remain in the body for long. One or two hours after inhalation, nicotine in the blood drops to around half of its initial concentration.
Nicotine can cause short-term effects such as increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and dizziness.
No. Nicotine does not cause lung cancer. The scientific evidence indicates that nicotine is not a carcinogen in humans and that nicotine exposure does not increase the risk of developing cancer in humans. The risks of smoking-related diseases arise from other chemicals in tobacco smoke, which are by-products of the burning of tobacco.
Nicotine is addictive. At high levels, it is also toxic but not at the levels typically obtained by using tobacco products and nicotine products that JTI commercializes.
Heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that contain nicotine are alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers. Heated tobacco and e-cigarettes can provide a satisfying experience similar to smoking while reducing exposure to harmful substances in cigarette smoke. While health risks cannot be eliminated, these products have the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking.