41.   The attorneys general will discuss for the first time plans to seek a reduction in nicotine levels in cigarettes as part of a proposed settlement.

42.   The civil suits allege that the industry withheld information about nicotine and that it manipulated nicotine levels to keep smokers hooked.

43.   The companies also are accused of manipulating nicotine levels to keep people addicted to cigarettes.

44.   The case accused tobacco companies of concealing evidence that smoking is addictive and of manipulating nicotine levels in cigarettes.

45.   The Food and Drug Administration also released last month sworn statements from tobacco company officials about manipulation of nicotine levels in cigarettes.

46.   The lawsuit contended that the tobacco industry had concealed knowledge that nicotine was addictive and had manipulated nicotine levels in cigarettes to keep smokers addicted.

47.   The minister can order cigarette manufacturers to lower tar and nicotine levels, theoretically down to zero.

48.   The nicotine is absorbed through the mouth and not into the lungs, and the device helps lower nicotine levels and encourages smokers to quit, they said.

49.   The plaintiffs suing in New York State Supreme Court said the tobacco companies conspired through advertising and other activities to manipulate nicotine levels so smokers would become addicted.

50.   The parties agreed that the FDA will regulate nicotine levels but not be able to ban cigarettes, participants on both sides said.