Nicotine

Nicotine is a chemical compound (alkaloid) present in tobacco plants with concentrations from 1% to 8% based on plant varieties, crop performance, and seasonal trends.

It is the chemical responsible for tobacco dependence, and in very high doses can be toxic or in the worst case, lethal.

Nicotine, taken at low doses, has stimulating effects such as increased blood pressure and heartbeat, improved concentration, increased metabolism, and also reduces stress.

Some of these effects sound desirable, but the “dark side” of nicotine needs to be taken into consideration: which is the fact that repeated intake is addictive.

Regular smokers have symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nervousness, reduced blood pressure and heartbeat, all of which are eased by the intake of nicotine.

Regardless of the concentration of nicotine, the major harmful effects related to the practice of cigarette smoking are due to the inhalation of the carcinogenic substances that are released during the combustion of the tobacco, which are benzopyrene and nitrosamines, as well as the substances that are irritating (formaldehyde and ammonia) and the poisonous ones (cyanide and arsenic).

Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious diseases for the un born child, including low birth weight, premature birth, and problems with mental and pulmonary development.

The Smokat® device is able to retain up to 20% nicotine.