Nicotine
CAS Number: 54-11-5
Sources of exposure:
Tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, historical nicotine-based insecticides
Description:
Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found primarily in tobacco plants. It is the principal addictive compound in tobacco products and is also used in nicotine replacement medications. Nicotine was historically used as an insecticide, although these applications have largely been discontinued in the United States.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Developmental Toxicity
May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.
Genotoxicity
May cause mutations or damage DNA in cells.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Respiratory Toxicity & Asthmagens
May damage the lungs or trigger asthma.
Irritant
May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - developmental
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
- Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist - Prohibited
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox).
- California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List. US National Library of Medicine. PubChem database.