Tobacco Industry Exposed: Manipulation of Nicotine Levels Exposed in 1981 Study

Strategic Insights -

A bombshell investigation by Representative Henry A. Waxman, a California Democrat and chairman of a House subcommittee on health and the environment, has revealed that the tobacco industry manipulated nicotine levels in cigarettes to keep smokers addicted. A 1981 study by two tobacco company researchers, Alexander W. Spears and S. T. Jones, demonstrated techniques for raising or lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes, supporting the Congressman's claims. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether the tobacco companies manipulated nicotine to maintain addiction, and the agency has threatened to regulate cigarettes as drugs if its suspicions are confirmed.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 1981 study by Alexander W. Spears and S. T. Jones revealed that the tobacco industry manipulated nicotine levels in cigarettes to keep smokers addicted.
  • The study demonstrated techniques for raising or lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes, supporting Representative Henry A. Waxman's claims of industry manipulation.
  • The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether the tobacco companies manipulated nicotine to maintain addiction.
  • The tobacco industry has released a list of 599 additives and ingredients used in American-made cigarettes, but it remains unclear which company uses which ingredients.
  • Several scientists who once worked for leading cigarette companies, including Vedpal S. Malik, have supported Mr. Waxman's reading of the report, stating that cigarette makers routinely adjust the levels of nicotine and other substances during the manufacturing process.
  • The list of 599 additives and ingredients includes agents like glycerin, which is used to keep the tobacco moist, and chemicals like cocoa, vanilla, and licorice, which are commonly used in foods and beverages.

Statistics:

  • 419,000 people die every year from cigarettes.
  • The cost to the economy from cigarettes is $68 billion dollars a year.
  • 599 additives and ingredients are used in American-made cigarettes.
  • 200 ultra-low-tar cigarettes have been found to contain lower levels of nicotine than regular cigarettes.
  • The tobacco industry has released the list of additives and ingredients in response to criticism, but it remains unclear which company uses which ingredients.

Sources:

  • [Representative Henry A. Waxman]
  • [Alexander W. Spears and S. T. Jones]
  • [National Public Radio]
  • [Philip Morris]
  • [Lorillard Inc.]
  • [ABC News]
  • [The Food and Drug Administration]