FDA floats plan to make cigarettes nonaddictive by capping nicotine levels. Image: AP.
(The Post News)– The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) bold proposal to cut nicotine levels in cigarettes to minimal, non-addictive amounts has reignited the global fight against smoking, with youth smoking prevention taking centre stage. The move, hailed as “a game changer” by South African health experts, could significantly reduce the number of young people hooked on cigarettes.
“Eighty to ninety percent of adult smokers started as teenagers,” said Dr. Catherine Egbe, Senior Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). “If we can prevent youth uptake, we can essentially eliminate the next generation of smokers. At lower nicotine levels, cigarettes simply won’t sustain addiction.”
The FDA’s proposal aims to cap nicotine levels in cigarettes and tobacco products to about 0.7 milligrams, far lower than the current average of 10 to 14 milligrams. Dr. Egbe explains that at such low levels, smokers would absorb only trace amounts of nicotine, insufficient to create or maintain dependence. “Imagine how many lives could be saved if young people never got hooked in the first place,” she added. “This policy could drastically reduce addiction, especially among teenagers experimenting with smoking for ‘fun.’”
Dr. Egbe also highlighted the critical role of banning flavoured tobacco products. “Flavours are a huge drawcard for young people. In South Africa, they don’t even call e-cigarettes or waterpipe tobacco ‘tobacco’—they call them ‘flavours.’ A ban on these would go a long way in reducing youth uptake,” she said. The tobacco industry, predictably, has pushed back, citing concerns about illicit trade and compensatory smoking. However, Dr. Egbe dismissed these claims, emphasising public health as the priority.
With the FDA’s public consultation period underway, South African policymakers may have an opportunity to watch, learn, and implement similar strategies locally. Smoking-related illnesses claim thousands of lives annually, and targeted youth prevention could change that grim reality. “This is a win for public health,” Dr. Egbe concluded. “The earlier we act to protect our youth, the better their future will be.”
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