What’s in a cigarette?

  Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, around 50 of which are known carcinogens (cancer causing)

Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, around 50 of which are known carcinogens (cancer causing). The main components of tobacco smoke are nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar, along with many other toxic chemicals.

* Nicotine is a powerful, fast acting drug and is what makes smoking addictive. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure, affects mood and behaviour, and speeds up the body’s metabolism.

* Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas found in car exhaust fumes and produced by faulty gas appliances. It takes the place of oxygen in the blood, causing the lungs to work less efficiently. This stops the cells and tissues from getting the oxygen they need to work properly.

* Tar is the sticky brown substance that stains smokers fingers and teeth yellow-brown. Approximately 70% of the tar in cigarette smoke stays in the lungs. As well as containing carcinogens, this tar can act as an irritant and damage the lungs by causing a narrowing of the small tubes (bronchioles). It also damages the small hairs (cilia) that help protect the lungs from dirt and infection.

Below are some examples of other chemicals found in cigarettes:

* Acetone – found in nail polish remover

* Ammonia – used in tear gas and strong cleaning fluids

* Arsenic – a deadly poison used in insecticides

* Benzene – used as an industrial solvent

* Ethanol – used in anti-freeze

* Formaldehyde – used as an embalming fluid

* Hydrogen cyanide – an industrial pollutant

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