‘Crack’ nicotine in cigarettes varies widely

Some cigarettes have a “kick” containing 35 times more “freebase” nicotine – the most addictive form – than others, researchers have found. The findings could help rate the addictiveness of different brands, they say.

The amount of freebase nicotine in cigarette smoke increases as the alkalinity, or pH, increases. This factor can be influenced by the use of certain additives. “It is likely that ingredients such as ammonia and urea account for this addiction-enhancing effect.”

from New Scientist