In 1994, CEOs from the seven largest tobacco companies testified before Congress. All seven claimed the same thing: nicotine wasn’t addictive.
Fast forward a few years, each one had been placed under federal investigation and lost their jobs.
Now, we know that nicotine is among the five most addictive drugs. The other four drugs on that list? Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and alcohol.
The United States' history with smoking, tobacco, cigarettes, and nicotine has been complicated and tragic—and the story isn’t over. While the rates of smokers have fallen steadily in recent years, smokeless forms of tobacco and nicotine have taken center stage, and are especially concerning because they're often marketed toward children.
For example, a recent study found that teen vaping in Louisiana remains among the highest in the nation. One in four high school students vape on a regular basis, placing Louisiana in the top 4 states for teen e-cigarette use.
So what exactly are the risks? Are vapes any more or less dangerous than traditional cigarettes?
Above is my interview with Dr. Stephen Kantrow, program director of pulmonary critical care medicine at LSU Health New Orleans. He explains the vaping phenomenon, the science behind these devices, exactly how they affect the human lungs and brain, and the business of nicotine addiction.
He also explains how very little of what you find on the shelves of gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops is actually approved for sale.