Nicotine doesn't cause diseases, tobacco does

NICOTINE

A colorless, oily liquid composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, nicotine itself does not cause disease. Scientists say it is the other toxic substances in tobacco smoke - chiefly tar and carbon monoxide - that lead to cancer of the lungs, throat and other organs.

But nicotine is indirectly responsible for the damage because it makes it so hard for smokers to quit.

So "Cigarettes" cause diseases is a true statement.