Now the research team has set out to learn if the same transformation takes place inside the body. Babies born to smoking mothers have NNK in their bodies, the same research team has found. NNK is known to cause cancer in some animals. Hecht is concerned that the carcinogen could put the children at risk of cancer later in life. Nicotine may not be the only addictive substance in tobacco.
Nicotine stimulates the production of the neurostransmitter dopamine.
Studies at Brookhaven National Laboratory suggest that in addition, some other chemical in cigarette smoke keeps dopamine levels high when normally they would drop off. That may send the message that smoking is pleasurable and may increase the desire for another cigarette.