FDA Proposes Significant Step Toward Reducing Nicotine
On January 15, 2025, the FDA proposed a rule to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products to minimally or non-addictive levels, aiming to prevent addiction and encourage cessation. Here are the details of the proposal:
A Cap on Tobacco products Level of Nicotine
The FDA is proposing to cap the nicotine level at 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco in cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products, which is significantly lower than the average concentration in these products on the market today.
A Switch to Lower Risk Alternatives
In addition to preventing initiation among young people and promoting cessation among all population groups, the FDA expects that the proposal would also help adults who smoke switch to lower-risk alternatives.
A Reduction to Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
For adults who smoke, switching completely to lower-risk tobacco products would reduce exposure to the many harmful chemicals present in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. However, no tobacco product is safe; therefore, youth should not use tobacco products and adults who do not currently use them should not start.
A Reduction in Smoking Among 48 Million U.S. Youth and Young Adults
This nicotine product standard could prevent approximately 48 million U.S. youth and young adults from starting smoking. The model also projects that more than 12.9 million people who smoke cigarettes would stop doing so one year after the rule becomes effective, including those who would completely switch to non-combusted tobacco products; this estimate increases to 19.5 million people within five years of the rule being finalized.
