When a person uses tobacco, the body immediately breaks nicotine down into at 97 differenct metabolites, the most stable of which is cotinine. Smoking is a disease that society no longer accepts as a norm. The University of Minesota researchers studied 144 infants found a "substantial uptake" of a chemical called NNAL in nearly half of babies exppses to second-hand smoke. It also found a "considerable uptake" of Nicotine in the babies.

NNAL is a chemical produced from second hand smoke. It is a by-product of a toxin in tobacco that causes lung cancer. This represents a definitely uneccesary potential risk for cancer later in life. The level of NNAL detected in urine samples was higher than in most other similar studies. NNAL is a biomarker for uptake of the tobacco specific carcinogen NNK. You dont find NNAL in peoples urine except in people that are exposed to tobacco smoke, whether they are infants, children or adults.

MIP4SPE-NNAL extracts 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) selectively from biological samples with high recoveries. MIP4SPE-NNAL gives reliable and accurate results in just a fraction of the time. It allows extremely low limits of quantitation and has been shown to be very reproducible. It can also be used for quantitation of NNAL where nicotine is present.

NNAL is a cancerogenic compound originating from nicotine metabolites and is an important marker in the monitoring of the effects of such compounds in humans. NNAL is a metabolite of the tobacco-specific lung carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK).

Persons who smoke eventually die, giving credance to the theory that a stronger people will survivors as persons having the cancer genes will eventually die off. Unfortunately, people who come in contact with second hand smoke also will die earlier.

Read Quit Smoking Journals --- Latest Entries Random Entry Random Journal Reader's Choice Find Journals --- Search Newest Members Members by Age Members by Location Members by Name Welcome Guest. Home \ My Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Communication By Earlz on August 23 2003 at 8:52 am 59, Male NJ, United States Member Since: July 16 2002 « Previous Entry Next Entry » Hi All, I get out around the web looking for information I call it connecting the dots,any time I cant connect the dots I start looking for answers.We all do things with our time that we enjoy doing,I enjoy connecting the dots and looking for ways to make quitting this deadly addiction not only easier but just as importantly safer. I dont want any one to think that quitting is not important it is and the sooner you can quit the better,but keep in mind that the swift dont always get there first that was the message in the race between the rabbit and the turtle.That message has real significance to us since repeated attempts at quitting could have health implications,and we know that it only takes one puff to start cancer. I went to a site that Kathryn found and read the thoughts of the site founder on quitting methods, I wrote to him and we started a back and forth dialogue exchange of ideas. Below was my reply to a e-mail from him.I have removed any inference to his name or organization.I do not tell him that I am a member at the journals. Hi I try very hard to deal in facts researching as much as I can before forming a opinion,one thing I think we can both agreee on is that the percentage of people who successfully quit proves that what we do now does not work.Studies have shown that the average number of times it takes for someone to quit is six,studies have also shown that yo yo quitting can increase a persons risk for developing lung cancer. I will certainly agree with you that nicotene is not part of our bodies chemistry but it certainly gets embedded in our chemistry and our bodies must change for us to survive.What ever functions nicotene stimulates when we smoke will have to be taken over by our bodies when we remove nicotene.Our systems will have to be conditioned to operate in a drug free state. Nicotene is a drug a addictive and a powerfully addictive drug I am not guessing that its a fact.The tobacco companies would love to have nicotene declassified as a addictive drug,it would save them billions of dollars in law suits. To tell people that its all in their head is unbelieveable cravings are not a figment of the imagination.When I say we are not addicted to nicotene I believe that but we are dependant on the stimulation that nicotene has on critical body functions,one of which is the release of serotonin in our minds,nicotene also stimulates our livers to release blood glucose,blood glucose fuels ever fiber of our bodies including our minds,nicotene burns off sugar,shrinks our stomachs,effects thyroid function our health and our health is dependant on these functions. 599 additives are put in tobacco some of them are addictive in their own right ie:coffee,sugar,perfume,they put 22 amino acids in our tobacco,when these additives and nutrients are removed abruptly from our systems we will crave them. If you want to argue that none of the additives are addictive lets for the sake of argument say ok,but lets move to the fact that craving for nutrition is how our bodies maintain the very critical chemical balance we need to survive,I believe those cravings are very real and probably very intense for a while.Lets assume that you dont crave nicotene,you dont crave additives and you dont crave nutrients or sugar,or caffeine and that you are still breathing. When drugs enter the body they travel rapidly to the brain and substituted for some of the brain's reward systems neurotransmitters i.e.: dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, Gaba, and the brain likes it. The body immediately identified the drugs as toxic. The body has to eliminate these toxins. Drugs are broken down in the liver in a process called metabolization, the by-products of which are called metabolites (the substances the body converts the drugs into). Although removed rapidly from the bloodstream metabolites become trapped in the fatty tissues. There are various types of tissues that are high in fat content. The problem that needs to be addressed is that these drug residues remain trapped in these tissues for years. Tissues in our bodies that are high in fats are turned over very slowly. The body will metabolize and burn fat any time a person undergoes an experience that causes the heart rate to speed up. Stress can do this, as can strenuous exercise, anger, or intense emotion. We all experience these things on a fairly regular basis. When an addict experiences these situations and their heart rate speeds, up the body begins to mobilize and burn fat. The fat contains toxins or metabolites from past alcohol and drug use. As the fat cells burn they release the metabolites back into the person's bloodstream. The metabolites travel through the bloodstream to the brain. The metabolite is a by-product of the drug, and is capable of substituting for the brains natural chemicals. The metabolite acts as a physical and mental reminder of the drug or alcohol consumption. In short, when the stored drug metabolites are released into the bloodstream they reactivate the same brain centers as if the person actually took the drug. The former addict now experiences a drug restimulation (or "flashbacks") and drug craving. This is common in the months after an addict quits and can continue for several years. If we took someone who was never exposed to drugs of any kind they would still crave its the way our bodies communicate the needs of our systems,the balance of our bodies chemistry is critical to our health and dependant on cravings. My concern is for people who are trying to quit and the effects that they may suffer from avoiding their cravings,I am also concerned because if the method they use to quit if not the most efficient will onlt lead to failed quits. I have only been at this for a few years but can assure you that the truth never hurt any one and all this hocus pocus being used does not help. I have a saying it is easy Knowledge is Power.I agree with some of what you say,but to tell people that they wont have cravings is denying one of our most essential functions and may be dangerous. If you tell them they dont crave nicotene but may experiance intense cravings for a while thats another story and its a true story. The truth will set us free,lies no matter how well intended only tighten the hold this addiction has on us. Some times I think I am wasting my time because people are so programmed to get in line that they wont even give you the courtesy of listening.Their are so many lies out there perpetuated by well intended people that its almost impossible to be heard. Self proclaimed experts who like me spent 40 years addicted and then quit and now know all there is to know. Let me give you an example,when we quit smoking our bodies metabolism slows down this is a fact,what controls our metabolism and since a slower metabolism burns off less energy why do we eat more?I saw your answer its because we crave nicotene not food and we are getting our signals mixed up,but if thats a fact and its your stated opinion that nicotene is out of our systems in 72 to 96 hours why do people continue to gain weight for weeks and months.I like to deal with reality and when 2+2 do not=4 I want to know why. Diets fail on thier own but when you combine diets and quits together it almost never works. Our bodies need to be nicotene free but after many years of smoking they are not our systems are conditioned to operate in a nicotene state,they will eventually operate in a nicotene free state but the reconditioning will not happen over night.Some pre quit prep will really help,minor changes in life style more attention to healthy eating and exercise.A trip to a doctor to determine what the state of their health is and what they can do to improve it before or even as they quit. I will be off and will take a look at your site I will not insert my ideas at your site but I hope you will think about our communication and at least consider the idea that people really need to know the realities and that once they do they will be much better equipped to deal with this horrible addiction. Some times when I read some of rhetoric written by these so called experts I think the only interest they have is in feeding off the misery of those addicted. I believe you are geniune in your concern to help others. Thank you Earl Protect our Children 333 Message by Charly on August 23 2003 at 11:00 am - moderator Location: United States Joined: March 02 2003 Posts: 3812 Profile Search Quote This is very interesting... it makes me want to NOT smoke! 'Knowlege is power' is one of my favorite sayings too. The more we know about smoking the more power and control we can gain over our own self. When we realize all of what takes place in our bodies from nicotine it is easier to not WANT to smoke. Thanks again, Earl... Charlene aka 4Health/MarksMom - QD 4-20-03 Smoking kills! Message by jesilu on August 23 2003 at 11:42 am Location: United States Joined: July 18 2003 Posts: 1059 Profile Search Quote Earl you are so knowledable. I bet he dident have to much to say after that. jesilu "Dont look back, your not going that way" Message by Summer Free on August 23 2003 at 11:56 am Location: United States Joined: July 31 2002 Posts: 3290 Profile Search Quote I too am a believer that knowlege is power and my saying is always that the truth will set you free but first it will piss you off. I even have a button that says this. It lives in the light and dies in the darkness is another saying I go by from time to time. Meaning that the truth lives in the light and the lies die in the darkness. I choose to live in the light. Thanks for posting this Earl. Again you're the man. Love, Summer Free p.s. I told Karl hello for you. He says hello back. The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Message by Pykke on August 23 2003 at 4:23 pm Location: United States Joined: July 21 2002 Posts: 3354 Profile Search Quote Thanks for the music......Really gave me a smile...as I am not cyber smart as the rest of you!!!!! Hopefully I will learn!!!! Really made me wanna dance!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!! Pykke Message by xoldsalt on August 23 2003 at 8:30 pm Location: United States Joined: July 25 2002 Posts: 1145 Profile Search Quote I'm simply amazed. You were exposed to Agent Orange. You never sought treatment for it. Your systems are self destructing and you blame everything on cigarette smoking. Have you discussed Agent Orange with the VA or even your family doctor? If you're smokin and you're not on fire......it's time to QUIT!!! I DID 11/14/01~~ Bill Message by Vlinder on August 24 2003 at 4:02 am - moderator Location: Netherlands Joined: July 08 2002 Posts: 8234 Profile Search www Quote WHAT is Agent Orange?????? Elenor Message by jesilu on August 24 2003 at 12:14 pm Location: United States Joined: July 18 2003 Posts: 1059 Profile Search Quote Hi Earl i just wanted to drop you aa line, i know yoiu asked how my friend Ray was and Im not sure. I am on vacation this week, I do know he was in the hospital unti Sat. Thennn he will be off for another 5 days, so he will probably come back to work same day as me. I will keep you posted though as soon as I hear anything. Thanks for asking. jesilu "Dont look back, your not going that way"

Read Quit Smoking Journals --- Latest Entries Random Entry Random Journal Reader's Choice Find Journals --- Search Newest Members Members by Age Members by Location Members by Name Welcome Guest. Home \ My Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE FACTS AND NOTHING MOREY By Earlz on August 31 2002 at 9:56 pm 59, Male NJ, United States Member Since: July 16 2002 « Previous Entry Next Entry » Hi Everyone, No I am not dead,I have been working many hours over the past week.Every once in a while they expect me to earn my pay,I have no idea of whats wrong with these people expecting me to work,hahahahaha.Oh well the job is almost complete and tomorrow should be the last extra day for a while. I have been browsing through and noticed we have some new quits under way,CONGRATULATIONS each of you,you can do it!!!!FIGHT really hard for your freedom from this addiction. I want to dispel some of the myths about this addiction,over and over I see people say"this is just in my head".The tobacco companies and those in our government would love it if you would believe that.Nicotene addiction is REAL and the cravings and discomfort you go through are REAL. Addiction is GENETIC,this means you are born predisposed to addiction,Why do some find it harder than others to quit?,Their are 4 genes involved in this addiction,Even if you have only one of the 4 quitting is tought if you have 4 of 4 tought wont even describe your battle to quit,but if you compare the battle to quit with the battle to survive some the illnesses associated with smoking you will find quitting smoking very easy in comparison. We have some very COURAGEOUS people here sharing their battles and daily struggles with us,Lindy,Karyn,Farfel,Cindy they are a few and we have many more.QUIT now today,stay quit,one drag on that next cigarette could be the one that adds you to the list above,contrary to popular believe it only takes one drag to energize a cancer gene. Below their are two articles on nicotene the first is by the National Institute. of Drug Abuse,The second by the geocites "YOUTH AWARENESS PROJECT" Your brain is made up of billions of nerve cells. They communicate by releasing chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter is like a key that fits into a special "lock," called a receptor, located on the surface of nerve cells. When a neurotransmitter finds its receptor, it activates the receptor's nerve cell. The nicotine molecule is shaped like a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine and its receptors are involved in many functions, including muscle movement, breathing, heart rate, learning, and memory. They also cause the release of other neurotransmitters and hormones that affect your mood, appetite, memory, and more. When nicotine gets into the brain, it attaches to acetylcholine receptors and mimics the actions of acetylcholine. Nicotine also activates areas of the brain that are involved in producing feelings of pleasure and reward. Recently, scientists discovered that nicotine raises the levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the parts of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward. Dopamine, which is sometimes called the pleasure molecule, is the same neurotransmitter that is involved in addictions to other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Researchers now believe that this change in dopamine may play a key role in all addictions. This may help explain why it is so hard for people to stop smoking. Easy to Start, Hard to Quit Did you know that nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine? If someone uses nicotine again and again, such as by smoking cigarettes or cigars or chewing tobacco, his or her body develops a tolerance for it. Eventually, a person can become addicted. Once a person becomes addicted, it is extremely difficult to quit. People who start smoking before the age of 21 have the hardest time quitting, and fewer than 1 in 10 people who try to quit smoking succeed. When nicotine addicts stop smoking they may suffer from restlessness, hunger, depression, headaches, and other uncomfortable feelings. These are called "withdrawal symptoms" because they happen when nicotine is withdrawn from the body. Nobody needs to be reminded about the hazards associated with smoking tobacco - we are bombarded with information about the health threats on a daily basis. When people were smoking in the 1950's, it was thought to be glamorous. The movie stars and social role models smoked as did others in the public eye. At that time, the health risks associated with tobacco use were unknown. When the facts began to emerge, people began to face the prospect of breaking an addiction. Today, many people who have the knowledge about the life-threatening consequences, still smoke tobacco, some occasionally and some on a regular basis. Science News published a report yesterday which was of interest for smokers and non-smokers with a curiosity for knowledge about the way in which cigarette smoke causes cancer. First, here are some quick statistics on smoking just to refresh everyone's memory: 1. Smoking is related to about 419,000 US deaths each year. Smokers who quit before age 50 have half the risk of dying in the next 15 years compared with those who continue to smoke. 2. If you smoke less than half a pack a day, your chances of dying younger are 30% higher than non smokers. If you smoke 1 to 2 packs a day, the risk increases by 100%. 3. Among infants to 18 months of age, secondhand smoke is associated with as many as 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia each year! Second hand smoke from a parent's cigarette increases a child's chances for middle ear problems, causes coughing and wheezing, and worsens asthma conditions. 4. Each year, smoking kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides, and fires combined. 5. Nationally, smoking results in more than 5 million years of potential life lost each year. The University of Minnesota Cancer Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota conducted the study which showed that the body can metabolize nicotine into products that the lungs subsequently may convert into a potent carcinogen. Nicotine underlies the addictive nature of cigarettes and other tobacco products while contributing to their carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties. The curing of tobacco, for example, can produce tumor-causing compounds, called nitrosamines, from nicotine. Burning tobacco, as in a cigarette, has the same result. Until now, it was thought that pure, uncured unsmoked nicotine (ie. via the patch or gum) entering the body was not carcinogenic. However, the study has provided new evidence to the contrary. Enzymes in the body can convert nicotine into aminoketone, a potent nitrosamine, and animal tests have shown that this nitrosamine causes lung cancer. Scientists have known that the human body initially metabolizes 90 percent of its nicotine load into cotinine, which is then further metabolized into a variety of other compounds. In previous work at the Univeristy of Minnesota, it was observed that the urine of smokers and people wearing nicotine patches contained two nicotine metabolites, keto acid and hydroxy acid, which were not dervied from cotinine. NICOTENE also effects our liver by stimulating the liver to release blood glucose,this is a life essential function,its not in your mind although your mind will tell you to crave for its needs,you can not survive for ONE second with out blood glucose,nicotene has stimulated at least these two functions and I expect many more for so long that your mind has become dependant on this as the primary stimulant.Your MIND will take over these functions it just takes TIME.MY guess based on my experiance is that you will spend about 9 months with cravings associated with nicotene withdrawal. You will crave the REST of your life for nutrients and other life essential nutrients essential needs,EVERYONE craves we are not the sole owners of craving. You dont have to be a helpless victim anymore,You can help your self by eating foods that stimulate the release of serotonin and blood glucose,Some of these foods are: energy bars,poultry,milk,honey,bananas,sunflower seeds,fruits. Tea,coffee,chocolate will help you through severe cravings they stimulate your mind in the same way that nicotene does. Exercising also stimulates the release of blood glucose and serotonin. WE also have one more powerful secret weapon against addiction US,TOGETHER we CAN DO IT. GO FOR IT YOU CAN QUIT,YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN DO ANY THING MORE IMPORTANT FOR YOU OR FOR YOUR LOVED ONES THAN QUITTING Protect our Children 333 Message by Pykke on August 31 2002 at 10:11 pm Location: United States Joined: July 21 2002 Posts: 3354 Profile Search Quote Interesting news report tonite...teens...just smoking now and then become addicted in no time at all....girls more rapidly than boys...Knowledge is power...and hopefully we can get the word out to teens (as well as others) that addiction comes very quickly once you give in to nicotine!! thanks for your post...earl!!! Pykke Message by CC said on August 31 2002 at 10:11 pm Location: United States Joined: August 06 2002 Posts: 2112 Profile Search Quote Earl, Thanks for the good information. I have always wondered why I can make 5 mos. but then cave. Why then? getting beyond 5 mos seems to be a great hurdle. Why would 5 mos be the time I hit the wall,"...I am glad you are well and productive at work. Congratulations friend! Love CC Message by nanny16 on August 31 2002 at 10:28 pm Location: United States Joined: July 04 2002 Posts: 427 Profile Search Quote Great reading and also an understanding to what happens to the body when it gets hooked. You have helped me with some of the things I eat to make me stronger and hopefully will also help to make me healthier. I am glad your work project is almost done so you will be hanging around here a little more. Love Love to all Nanny19 Karyn My body is damaged, my soul is weary, but still my anchor holds in spite of the storm. Message by Eglswng46 on September 01 2002 at 1:39 am Location: United States Joined: July 23 2002 Posts: 2299 Profile Search Quote Nice post there Earl - you have been quite busy for someone working overtime! Look at this entry. Did you take the time to type ALL OF THAT??? Awesome and it is information we all need to keep in mind - not just those who are new. I did not know that it takes one drag to ignite a cancer cell - something like that would have never occurred to me - thanks for sharing - again... :) ***Kim*** F.F. and O.S. Let your faith be your strength and your love be your guiding star Dan Fogelberg... Message by ChinHi on September 01 2002 at 3:06 am - moderator Location: United States Joined: July 06 2002 Posts: 11196 Profile Search Quote Thanks Earlz I love stuff like this, it helps me go "YES THAT IS WHY I QUIT!!" or something like that. Love ya for the continued info. Keep it Coming, Education never hyurt anyone... Keep choosin' LIFE! If I can do it, you can too. Just Do IT! One second, min., hour, day, week, it ALL adds up. Namaste Mahalo Karyn and lindy our SHEROs Message by gumbreath on September 01 2002 at 5:45 pm Location: Canada Joined: September 01 2002 Posts: 187 Profile Search Quote Hello my friend. Thank you for your insightful post. Thank you for being instrumental in getting this site up. Thank you for being here. Your conviction and committment are a blessing to this community of quitters. A big hug to you, my friend. Message by skipper8 on September 01 2002 at 8:54 pm - moderator Location: Canada Joined: July 02 2002 Posts: 6790 Profile Search Quote EL=- I am so sorry there is nothing morey!!!- dont ya hate when that happens- Thanks for reaffirming this is not in our heads only!!!= Mile by Mile lifes a trial, Inch by Inch its a cinch ~~~~KTQ- Kathy Message by ChinHi on September 02 2002 at 3:06 am - moderator Location: United States Joined: July 06 2002 Posts: 11196 Profile Search Quote you betcha "us together, WE CAN DO IT!" I love your saying that. and it was great chatting with you today... na na na na na na na na hey hey hey... good niiiiight.... Keep choosin' LIFE! If I can do it, you can too. Just Do IT! One second, min., hour, day, week, it ALL adds up. Namaste Mahalo Karyn and lindy our SHEROs Message by ChinHi on September 02 2002 at 3:08 am - moderator Location: United States Joined: July 06 2002 Posts: 11196 Profile Search Quote ok so, this IS BIZZARE...exactly 24 hrs ago I posted you at 3:06 am yesterday and now today... look at time on note above... muahahahaahahaahhaaaahhahahahahaaaaa Keep choosin' LIFE! If I can do it, you can too. Just Do IT! One second, min., hour, day, week, it ALL adds up. Namaste Mahalo Karyn and lindy our SHEROs