Bold Move to Reduce Smoking-Related Deaths
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday a proposal to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes and certain tobacco products to make them less addictive.
“If finalized, the United States would be the first country globally to take such a bold, life-saving action to prevent and reduce smoking-related disease and death,” the FDA stated.
Nicotine, known for its highly addictive properties, contributes significantly to smoking habits. Research suggests that lowering nicotine levels could help millions quit or reduce smoking. Many smokers, studies show, regret starting and wish to quit.
Protecting Youth and Public Health
Most smokers begin as minors despite legal age restrictions — first set at 18 and raised to 21 in 2019. By reducing nicotine levels, young people who experiment with tobacco would be less likely to form a lifelong habit, experts say.
“Today’s proposal envisions a future where young people are less likely to use cigarettes, and more individuals who currently smoke could quit or switch to less harmful products,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said. “This action, if finalized, could save many lives and dramatically reduce the burden of severe illness and disability.”
The rule proposes capping nicotine at 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco in cigarettes. Products included under the rule are:
- Cigarettes
- Cigarette tobacco
- Roll-your-own tobacco
- Most cigars, including cigarillos
- Pipe tobacco
The rule excludes e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, noncombusted cigarettes, hookah tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and premium cigars.
Historical Context and Public Health Impact
The FDA first explored nicotine limits under the Trump administration. Although smoking rates have declined, 28 million US adults are still considered current smokers. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, claiming 490,000 lives annually and contributing to more than 16 million smoking-related illnesses, according to the CDC. The economic burden includes over $240 billion in healthcare costs as of 2018.
“This is a truly game-changing proposal that would accelerate declines in smoking and save millions of lives from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other tobacco-related diseases,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, president and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Projected Impact
The FDA estimates:
- Over 12.9 million people would quit smoking within one year of implementation.
- 19.5 million people would stop smoking within five years.
- By 2100, the rule could prevent approximately 48 million young people from starting smoking.
Erika Sward, assistant vice president of national advocacy for the American Lung Association, emphasized: “We know that tobacco use is not a choice. It is an addiction… this rule is significant.”
Next Steps
Public comments on the proposal will be accepted through mid-September. The rule could take years to finalize, but advocates urge the incoming Trump administration to prioritize its implementation to combat chronic diseases and improve national health.
