What's in a cigarette

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals including nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, acetone, ammonia, arsenic, phenol, naphthalene, cadmium and vinyl chloride [34]. At least 43 of these chemicals are cancer-causing carcinogens which have a significant impact upon the health status of cigarette smokers.

Three specific components of cigarette smoke have the greatest effect: [35]

Tar is composed of various organic and inorganic chemicals including nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and a number of carcinogens. Tar is the particulate matter which is inhaled in cigarette smoke. Tar causes the yellow-brown staining on smokers' fingers and teeth, and lungs.

Nicotine is an organic compound that is highly toxic and addictive. The effects of nicotine upon the body include: increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is both a stimulant and relaxant. In the long term nicotine may contribute to coronary disease and the development of cancers.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide reduces the body's red blood cells ability to deliver oxygen to tissues with the potential to cause the greatest damage to heart, brain and skeletal muscles.

See also Quit's What's in cigarettes