FDA Commissioner David Kessler discusses his contentious term as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Browse the Online NewsHour's coverage of health issues . In 1994, the tobacco industry went on record saying nicotine is not addictive. I believe nicotine is not addictive. I believe nicotine is not addictive.
Cigarette smoking is the most significant public health problem facing our people.
The human cost is by far the most important issue. We have carefully considered the evidence. It is clear that the action being taken today is the right thing to do scientifically, legally, and morally. The new regulations were designed to cut teenage smoking by restricting advertising and marketing of tobacco to minors. But the tobacco companies vowed to fight the new rules in court.