Facts About Cigarettes

Cigarettes have been a popular social indulgence since their invention in the 1800s. Although many people smoke regularly, many find it difficult to quit before it begins damaging their health, due to the addictive aspect of cigarettes.

Composition

• Cigarettes are rolled-up paper products containing tobacco and nicotine--a highly addictive drug. The heavily addictive qualities of this drug make it difficult to quit smoking.

Consumption

• Although it is commonly believed that there is an age restriction on cigarette usage, there is only a limitation on the sale of tobacco products. In the United States, an individual must be 18 or older to purchase cigarettes, but with an adult's approval, a minor is legally able to smoke.

Health

• According to the American Counsel for Drug Education, one out of every five deaths are reportedly caused from tobacco usage. Cigarette smoking is also linked to most fatal cases of lung cancer.