# Distinction between nicotine and tobacco carcinogens > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/distinction-between-nicotine-and-tobacco-carcinogens > Updated: 2026-08-31T01:55:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Public health discussions and scientific research are increasingly distinguishing between the addictive properties of nicotine and the lethal health risks associated with tobacco combustion. While nicotine is identified as the primary driver of addiction due to its ability to trigger dopamine release and restructure brain chemistry, it is not classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Instead, the cancer risk is linked to the thousands of toxic chemicals and carcinogens, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines, produced when tobacco is burned. In the context of harm reduction, experts suggest a “hierarchy of harm” based on delivery methods. While no nicotine product is entirely risk-free, cardiovascular risks vary depending on whether nicotine is inhaled via smoke, vapor, or delivered through non-combustible methods like patches, gum, or pouches. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: IPB researcher clarifies distinction between nicotine and carcinogens IPB researcher Mohammad Khotib clarifies that while nicotine causes addiction via dopamine release, it is not a carcinogen; cancer risks stem from chemicals produced during tobacco combustion. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ipb-researcher-clarifies-distinction-between-nicotine-and-carcinogens ### 2026-08-26: Nicotine addiction vs. tobacco combustion health risks Health experts distinguish between nicotine addiction and the lethal risks of tobacco smoke, advocating for a “hierarchy of harm” to evaluate different nicotine delivery methods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicotine-addiction-vs-tobacco-combustion-health-risks --- Cite as: Distinction between nicotine and tobacco carcinogens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/distinction-between-nicotine-and-tobacco-carcinogens