Karnataka has recently made changes to the Poisons (Possessions and Sale) Rules 2015, classifying nicotine as a Class A poison with the main goal being to enhance the enforcement of the prohibition on electronic cigarettes’ production and sale. This action comes as part of an ongoing campaign against nicotine use and its related health risks.
The Background of the Ban
In August 2018, the Union Health Ministry directed all states to enforce a ban on the sales of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) within their territories. Karnataka originally implemented this ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes back in June 2016. Despite these prohibitions, there are still recurring instances of unlawful sales and smuggling of e-cigarettes and nicotine cartridges within the state.
Understanding Nicotine
Nicotine is a plant alkaloid, a type of compound containing nitrogen, which is found naturally in several kinds of plants, including the tobacco plant. It can also be artificially produced. This complex substance serves a dual role, acting both as a sedative and a stimulant. In e-cigarettes, nicotine is used directly, with its content reaching levels as high as 36 mg/mL. On the other hand, regular cigarettes also contain nicotine but at substantially lower concentrations, ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 mg/mL. Tobacco products that are chewed or snorted typically release more nicotine into the body than smoked products.
Dangerous Effects of Nicotine
Direct exposure to nicotine in humans can result in a variety of unpleasant and potentially harmful effects. Symptoms include irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, increased salivation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Significant physiological changes, such as an elevated pulse rate and blood pressure, can also occur.
Classification of Poisons
The US Department of Transportation categorizes poisons into two classes. Class A consists of highly toxic chemicals. Even minuscule quantities of these substances in the form of gas or vapor can pose life-threatening dangers. Examples include cyanogen, hydrocyanic acid, nitrogen peroxide, and phosgene. Class B encompasses chemicals not included in Class A. Despite being less toxic in comparison, they are still considered dangerous.
| Poison Classification | Examples | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Class-A | Cyanogen, Hydrocyanic acid, Nitrogen peroxide, Phosgene | Highly Toxic |
| Class-B | Chemicals not included in Class-A | Comparatively less toxic but still dangerous |
Nicotine: Now a Class A Poison under Karnataka Law
Karnataka has now officially included nicotine under the classification of Class A poison, under the new amendments to the Poisons (Possessions and Sales) Rules 2015. This classification seeks to reinforce the existing ban on the production and sale of electronic cigarettes, a significant source of concentrated nicotine exposure.
