The deadly cigarettes

Nicotine is a deadly poison in high doses. On an average, about 70 mg can kill an average adult. Worldwide, tobacco kills one human being every six seconds. It is reported that one out of ten Indian adults is dying of tobacco related diseases. In addition to nicotine, tobacco used in the cigarettes contains 230 toxic chemicals, both organic and inorganic, some of them are carcinogenic. There are traces of inorganic elements present in cigarettes, which are radioactive (Polonium-210/Lead-210). It is estimated that over a billion cigarettes are smoked every day in India. Continued consumption of the infamous “Gutka” in India leads to Oral sub-mucous fibrosis, a pre-cancerous disease that is a first step for the formation of cancer. It is specially affecting the young.

It is reported that nicotine in cigarettes smokers typically inhale rose by 11% since 1998 as per the analysis carried out by a Harvard study. Truth can be that the companies must be deliberately increasing the nicotine content to make it more addictive (physical and psychological dependence), which is a dangerous from the public health point of view. Governments should provide medical assistance for the addicts who want to quit tobacco consumption, in any form.

It is high time that the nicotine content in cigarettes should be regulated by fixing a limit on the total content by world health organization. The nicotine content should be brought down to levels which may be considered safer. Sooner it take place is better for the potential smokers.