Nicotine is only found in tobacco and leads to cancer. But is it true? It is a natural ingredient found in several plants. Various vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes among others, also contain nicotine in trace amounts.
There are more than 7000 chemicals in cigarette smoke. Of these, at least 250 are known to be harmful to health, such as hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and ammonia. Some are natural components of the tobacco plant itself, but most harmful substances are only formed on combustion of tobacco and not by nicotine itself.
Products containing nicotine are often used to reduce anxiety, stress or depression. A survey in the ‘Human Centric Approach to Tobacco Control’ report highlights that stress and anxiety motivate tobacco consumption for 62% males and 40% females in tier I cities.
Nicotine from cigarettes is absorbed into the lungs through inhalation of smoke. When nicotine enters the body, it enters the circulatory system and reaches the brain within 20 seconds, causing nerve stimulation resulting in feeling of euphoria.
The burden of cancer and tobacco related diseases is immense. A recent report by WHO suggests that new cancer cases are likely to rise to at least thirty- five million in 2050, a 77% rise over the cases diagnosed in 2022. In India, an estimated 1.4 million cancer cases were recorded in the same year, while one in nine citizens could develop cancer in their life time.
Which of the following statements accuracy describe the presence of nicotine in plants?
Correct Answer: (1) Nicotine is found in several plants, including some vegetables, in trace amounts
