For decades various groups have warned Americans not to smoke cigarettes. Now, a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control may be even more alarming to smokers.

"We don't know for sure what exactly is in it only the tobacco companies know exactly what they put in them,” Chances For Indiana Youth, Carrie Evans said.

Smokers may be surprised to know the CDC says cigarettes in the United States are the deadliest in the world. "We do know that there are at least 4,000 chemicals in them.  60 of which are known to cause cancer."

Doctor Gowda at UAP Clinic says more studies need to be conducted. "Do we have enough proof that these cigarettes cause more cancer, I don't think we do.  But it is known beyond doubt that nicosomines causes cancer,” Dr. Shashikumar R.H. Gowda said.

For smokers wanting to kick the habit, they're finding it even harder to quit. "They manipulate the additives so that the nicotine is more potent and people become easier addicted and they stay addicted for longer periods of time.  It's about the bottom dollar for them,” Evans said.

"Once you get addicted to nicotine of course the same time you are inhaling other chemicals at the same time.  So, it becomes more of an addiction,” Dr. Gowda said.

Organizations like Chances for Indiana Youth have warned Americans for decades not to begin smoking. "This just proves that tobacco companies have been manipulating these ingredients for decades.  And they are using ammonia, cyanide; there are so many things that are deadly and known poisons,” Evans said.

Doctor Gowda says this study shows people even if cigarettes are "light,” there are no safe ways to smoke. "Basically it says that there are increased carcinogens in the cigarettes and the bottom line is they have to quit smoking,” Dr. Gowda said.

With new FDA regulations on the tobacco industry, Americans could see changes. "Eventually it will become law that the tobacco industries will have to notify the FDA before they change any of the ingredients,” Evans said.

Dr. Gowda also told us secondhand smoke led to 46,000 deaths last year.

(Por Megan Reust, Mywabash Valley, 06/07/2010)