WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a proposed rule to lower nicotine levels in cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products. The goal is to make them minimally addictive or non-addictive. This policy, first suggested in July 2017 during the Trump administration, could significantly reduce smoking rates.
The FDA nicotine rule is designed to reduce nicotine in cigarettes, making them less addictive. If implemented, the FDA nicotine rule could prevent millions from smoking and reduce smoking-related diseases. The FDA estimates that it could prevent 48 million young people from becoming smokers this century. Additionally, within just five years, it could prompt 19.5 million smokers to quit. By the end of the century, the policy could save 4.3 million lives. Given these benefits, we strongly urge the incoming Trump administration to finalize and enforce this rule.
Few measures would be more effective in combating chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. These illnesses remain major public health concerns in the U.S., and the incoming administration has identified them as key priorities.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Each year, it kills nearly half a million Americans and costs the nation over $241 billion in healthcare expenses. It also contributes to nearly one-third of all deaths from cancer and heart disease.
For more information, see our fact sheet on reducing nicotine in cigarettes.
