nicotine leaf

Get to Know Nicotine

Nicotine is addictive and one of the main reasons people smoke, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases like lung cancer. These are caused by the high levels of toxins released in tobacco smoke.

It's always best to quit tobacco and nicotine completely, but smokers who don’t, should know that heated tobacco, e-cigarettes, and modern oral products* exist as less harmful alternatives to continued smoking.

However, the many myths and misconceptions about nicotine are preventing people from considering these better alternatives. Clearing them up can help adult smokers make informed decisions for their health.

Get to know nicotine

Why do smoke-free products contain nicotine?

The reasons why people smoke are complex, covering many aspects from ritual and taste to sensory experience.

Nicotine is an important part of this mix for many smokers, and most are only likely to replace cigarettes completely if smoke-free products act as a satisfactory alternative.

*Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine which is addictive.

How does nicotine affect the body?

Occurring naturally in some plants—at the highest levels in the tobacco plant— nicotine is a clear or pale-yellow odorless liquid in its purest form.

It can enter the body in many ways, for example through the lungs, mouth, or skin. When used repeatedly, the brain adapts to its presence – although this process is reversible when a person stops using nicotine.

The way it’s consumed determines the speed and intensity of its delivery. When a person inhales tobacco smoke via cigarettes, nicotine is absorbed through the lungs and reaches the brain in 10 to 20 seconds.

When absorbed through the skin via a patch—or through the mouth and stomach when chewing nicotine gum—it is absorbed more slowly and takes longer to reach the brain as a result.

Nicotine is metabolized primarily by the liver and is constantly cleared by the body. Nicotine-containing products should not be used by people who have or are at risk of certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or those experiencing seizures.

Occurring naturally in some plants—at the highest levels in the tobacco plant— nicotine is a clear or pale-yellow odorless liquid in its purest form.

It can enter the body in many ways, for example through the lungs, mouth, or skin. When used repeatedly, the brain adapts to its presence – although this process is reversible when a person stops using nicotine.

The way it’s consumed determines the speed and intensity of its delivery. When a person inhales tobacco smoke via cigarettes, nicotine is absorbed through the lungs and reaches the brain in 10 to 20 seconds.

When absorbed through the skin via a patch—or through the mouth and stomach when chewing nicotine gum—it is absorbed more slowly and takes longer to reach the brain as a result.

Nicotine is metabolized primarily by the liver and is constantly cleared by the body. Nicotine-containing products should not be used by people who have or are at risk of certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or those experiencing seizures.

Quitting is best

Quitting is always the best choice any smoker can make, but the reality is that many don’t. Existing adult smokers should have the facts they need to make informational decisions for their health.

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