Like the legislation introduced recently by Sens. Tobacco use is one of the greatest health risks facing our patients. Nicotine is an addictive drug, and the FDA must have full jurisdiction over all tobacco products and nicotine delivery devices. All nicotine-containing products should be subject to pertinent regulations regarding food, food additives and pharmacologically active ingredients. Every day, family physicians see patients suffering the effects of tobacco use.
Scientific evidence shows that the use of tobacco is a major health hazard.
Lung cancer, a disease directly attributable to cigarette smoking, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among both men and women regardless of race. Smoking and the other uses of tobacco are linked to carcinomas including cancer of the lip, pharynx, larynx, mouth, esophagus, pancreas and bladder. Consequences other than cancer include heart disease, disorders of the digestive system, and pregnancy and birth complications. Nicotine, a key ingredient in tobacco products, is an addictive drug. Like other substances of abuse, it should be regulated by the proper authority.