Organic cigarettes might seem like a healthier option because they are marketed as being free from additives, pesticides, or other chemicals commonly found in conventional cigarettes. However, this perception is misleading and can give us a false sense of security (which keeps us stuck in addiction).
Here’s why:
Combustion of Tobacco: Regardless of whether the tobacco is organic or not, the process of burning tobacco produces harmful substances. When tobacco burns, it releases a mix of toxic chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, among others. These substances are responsible for many of the health risks associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nicotine Addiction: Organic cigarettes still contain nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco. Nicotine addiction can lead to a range of health problems, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Taking nicotine keeps us physically and mentally addicted to smoking, vaping, and all forms of nicotine.
Organic cigarettes are not less addictive. In fact, some brands like American Spirit, add more nicotine in their organic cigarettes.
False Sense of Safety: The “organic” label can create a false sense of safety, leading us to believe we are choosing a less harmful option. This might postpone or completely discourage us from quitting smoking altogether, which is the only way to regain our health and eliminate the health risks associated with smoking. The American Lung Association and other health organizations have warned against this misconception.
Regulatory Oversight: While the term “organic” may imply that the product has been subject to certain standards, it doesn’t mean the product is safe. Organic certification for tobacco might focus on how the tobacco is grown, but it doesn’t address the dangers of inhaling combusted tobacco smoke. For example, organic cigarettes still have carcinogens like cadmium, which is not added to tobacco but comes from the soil where tobacco plants grow.
References:
Why Natural American Spirit cigarettes could be especially dangerous: https://search.app/aYN9ZZBin8ZcHUYt7
Chemicals in Every Tobacco Plant: https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/chemicals-every-tobacco-plant
“Organic,” “Natural,” and “Additive-Free” Cigarettes: Comparing the Effects of Advertising Claims and Disclaimers on Perceptions of Harm: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6588395/
University of Minnesota: Cigarettes marketed as “natural” and “organic” are loaded with nicotine and toxicants, just like other cigarettes: https://www.sph.umn.edu/news/cigarettes-marketed-as-natural-and-organic-are-loaded-with-nicotine-and-toxicants-just-like-other-cigarettes/