Why is the ATF and FDA Allowing Tobacco Companies to Poison Our Cigarettes?

The question looms: why do the ATF and FDA, two supposed protectors of public health, seem to overlook the tobacco industry's practices in blending chemicals that aid in addiction? The truth is a matter of history, personal greed, and powerful lobbying.

Taxation vs. Composition

ATF, while responsible for taxation, has a limited role in determining the composition of cigarettes. In contrast, the FDA is charged with ensuring the safety and efficacy of products, including those subject to smoke. Despite their primary mission, the FDA struggles in the face of immense political pressure and financial influence from tobacco giants.

Motive and Lobbying Power

Just like the sugar industry of the late 1970s, big tobacco used substantial financial resources and political persuasion to influence Congress. In exchange for substantial contributions to political campaigns, they 'proved' the safety of refined sugar, leading to an obesity crisis. Similarly, big tobacco lobbies to defend the addition of 'helper chemicals' that increase nicotine uptake and fuel addiction.

Robert Sackler and the Opioid Crisis

Robert Sackler, head of Purdue Pharma and part of the family behind Vicodin, oversaw the release of this drug that contributed to the opioid crisis, leading to the deaths of millions. His actions demonstrated a disregard for public safety, mirroring the tobacco industry's tactics in deceiving the public.

The US Food and Drug Administration: A Journalist’s Take

With a critical eye, it is evident that the FDA faces significant challenges in regulating the tobacco industry. The dual influence of tobacco and food companies in the US market is concerning. Major tobacco companies like Phillip Morris/Kraft and RJ Reynolds/Nabisco are key players in the largest food distribution networks. Their financial power enables them to wield significant lobbying influence.

Safer Cigarettes and Misinformation

Some claim that certain brands, like American Spirits, are safer than others. However, these claims are misleading. While some cigarettes are free of added carcinogens, the list of chemicals in even natural tobacco—including substances like cyanide, arsenic, ammonia, and lead—poses serious health risks. These chemicals can not only cause cancer but also increase nicotine addiction.

Propaganda and Misinformation

Cigarette companies have historically used additives, which are often FDA-approved food flavorings. However, anti-cigarette propaganda often presents a misleading narrative. Lists of additives, combined with a fear of chemicals, are used to create a scare tactic. It is important to understand that everything is a chemical, from food to the air we breathe.

What's in a Cigarette?

A BBC compilation of additives in tobacco includes preservatives, flavorings, and emulsifiers. These additives help maintain the burnability and flavor of cigarettes. While some of these chemicals are artificially produced, they are similar to those found in natural tobacco. Propagandists use fear tactics, suggesting that the combustion of these chemicals poses a special risk, which has no evidence to support it.

Filters and Flavoring

Filters were initially introduced to prevent tobacco staining and improve the smoking experience. However, they also filter out a significant amount of flavor. To address this, cigarette manufacturers increased the use of flavorings, which often contain chemicals. Despite their presence, when burned, the smoke—including combustion byproducts—poses a clear respiratory hazard.

In conclusion, the tobacco industry's practices are not without controversy. The FDA's role in regulating these practices is undermined by the influence of powerful lobbyists. While the health risks of cigarette smoking are well-documented, the role of additives and chemicals remains a point of contention, often driven by misinformation and fear-mongering. It is crucial to separate the facts from the propaganda and make informed decisions about smoking.