Study: Nicotine increasing in cigarettes (AP)

[Eugene]

Posted on Thu, Jan. 18, 2007

Study: Nicotine increasing in cigarettes
STEVE LeBLANC
Associated Press

BOSTON - Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say they have confirmed
a study by the state that found nicotine levels in cigarettes increased from 1997
until 2005.

The analysis, based on data submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
by cigarette manufacturers, found that increases in smoke nicotine yield per cigarette
averaged 1.6 percent each year, for a total of about 11 percent over a seven-year period.

"Cigarettes are finely tuned drug delivery devices, designed to perpetuate a tobacco
pandemic," said Howard Koh, an associate dean for public health practice who worked on
the analysis. "Yet precise information about these products remains shrouded in secrecy,
hidden from the public."

The health department study released last October examined nicotine levels in more than
100 brands over a six-year period. The study showed a steady climb in the amount of
nicotine delivered to the lungs of smokers.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/16486978.htm

[Hav]

1. .

If it's true and intentional, then they are scumbags (is it still allowed to say that?).
I guess it's done to make it harder to quit because a considerable amount of smokers already quit?