[1] by scientists at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. I previously discussed other analyses reported by the scientists, on [2] s and [3] . Nicotine levels in smokeless tobacco products available in the U.S. in 2006 and 2007 were analyzed by scientists at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. I previously discussed other analyses reported by the scientists, on tobacco-specific nitrosamine level s and trace metals

[4] . It is widely known that nicotine can be consumed by inhaling the smoke of burning tobacco, or by using smokeless tobacco, with [5] in the efficiency and rate of absorption. Nicotine is tobacco’s primary attraction for humans; it provides many positive effects on human behavior . It is widely known that nicotine can be consumed by inhaling the smoke of burning tobacco, or by using smokeless tobacco, with differences in the efficiency and rate of absorption.

When using smokeless tobacco, nicotine is absorbed across the lining of the mouth. Many factors affect this, including the physical characteristics of the product (chewing tobacco, fine cut moist snuff, powdered snuff, pouch, etc.), and how it is held in or moved around the mouth. An important factor is the product’s pH – its acidity or alkalinity. Nicotine cannot be absorbed efficiently in an acidic environment like that of the stomach; that’s the reason tobacco isn’t consumed like tea or coffee.

The amount of nicotine readily available to the smokeless user can be calculated by measuring the product’s pH. A higher pH yields more available, or “free” nicotine. Of course, one of the roles of saliva is to buffer alkaline and acidic foods to a neutral pH, so even acidic smokeless products provide some nicotine as saliva works to neutralize their acidity.

The table reflects levels of nicotine and free nicotine in smokeless tobacco products in 2006 and 2007. Because nicotine levels were not calculated on dry weight, dry products are not entirely comparable to products with higher moisture content. Differences can also be seen within categories.

In general, chewing tobacco and dry snuff had low levels of free nicotine, while levels in moist snuff products were considerably higher.

What does this mean for the smoker who switches to smoke-free products? There are no simple answers. Inhaling smoke provides a bolus, or spike, of nicotine within seconds of the first puff, but the small amount is metabolized quickly. Some smokeless products are capable of delivering a similar peak level, but at a slower pace, and research shows that with smokeless products, the falloff from peak levels is much slower.

The broad range of free nicotine levels among these products is good news for smokers. They should look for a smokeless substitute that satisfies them.

Nicotine (mg/g) and Free Nicotine (mg/g) Levels in Smokeless Tobacco Products in the U.S., 2006 and 2007 Product Nicotine Free Nicotine Dissolvable Tobacco Ariva 3.9 0.7 Stonewall 8.2 1.2 Chewing Tobacco Beech Nut 7.1 0.02 Hawken 2.9 0.01 Lancaster 8.0 0.01 Levi Garrett 5.3 0.06 Red Man 8.6 0.08 Red Man Golden 7.7 0.06 Stoker Chew Apple 3.8 0.01 Taylor’s Pride 6.4 0.06 Traditional Moist Snuff Cooper LC WG 8.0 1.1 Copenhagen 12.7 3.2 Copenhagen LC 13.9 5.4 Copenhagen Pouches 11.2 6.8 Grizzly LC WG 2006 10.3 6.6 Grizzly LC WG 2007 11.2 5.9 Husky FC 12.9 4.8 Kayak LC WG 11.9 2.3 Kodiak WG 2006 10.9 6.5 Kodiak WG 2007 10.7 8.2 Longhorn LC WG 13.8 5.7 Red Seal FC 13.2 3.1 Renegades WG 13.4 2.4 Skoal FC Original 13.3 3.9 Skoal LC Cherry 12.7 1.7 Skoal LC Mint 12.9 3.7 Skoal LC Straight 13.4 3.9 Skoal LC WG 12.8 2.9 Timberwolf LC WG 14.1 5.2 Snus and Snus-Style Snuff Camel Frost 2006 13.3 4.7 Camel Frost 2007 14.1 4.7 Camel Original 2006 13.9 4.7 Camel Original 2007 13.5 6.2 Camel Spice 2006 13.2 6.7 Camel Spice 2007 13.4 5.1 Catch Dry Eucalyptus* 15.9 1.4 Catch Dry Licorice* 16.7 0.7 General* 7.2 1.9 General Portion* 8.5 5.1 General White Portion* 7.9 4.8 Skoal Dry 11.9 2.4 Taboka 16.7 0.4 Taboka Green 13.0 0.5 Powdered Dry Snuff Bruton 17.5 0.5 Dental Sweet 11.1 0.1 Levi Garrett 16.6 0.1 Railroad Mills 23.1 0.5 Red Seal 15.1 0.4