Seeds of nicotine controversy blown quickly across the Atlantic

The unprecedented attacks on the U.S. tobacco and cigarette industries have resulted in increased media attention for their UK counterparts. The U.S. controversy is focusing on proposals that nicotine be registered as an addictive drug, that smokers pay more for their health care through federal excise tax and that smoking be banned in all work-places, except under special circumstances. Allegations that US cigarette makers spike their products with extra nicotine have also caused worries in the UK, where manufacturers are having to defend their practices through the media.