US study finds 'significantly' more nicotine in cigarettes

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

NEW YORK (AFP) — The amount of nicotine in cigarettes has increased by 10 percent in recent years, according to new US research, with scientists warning the hike could make it harder for smokers to quit. A study by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that, regardless of brand, the amount of nicotine delivered to a smoker's lungs had increased significantly since the last research was carried out.

"These findings are significant. This is the first release of information on nicotine yield in more than six years nationally," said the health department's Commissioner Paul Cote on Thursday. "We want health care providers to know that smokers are getting more nicotine than in the past and may need additional help in trying to quit," he added. The data come from...