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Types of Chemicals Found in Cigarette Smoke

Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals besides tobacco, all of which are inhaled in the form of smoke. Many of these chemicals are carcinogens, and at least 250 are toxic. Nicotine is the most commonly known chemical in cigarettes, but they also contain carbon monoxide, ammonia, and formaldehyde, just to name a few ingredients. These chemicals make cigarettes highly addictive, and smokers should be aware of the potential consequences of inhaling their smoke.

  1. Carcinogens

    • Exposure to carcinogens often leads to cancer. Some carcinogens act directly on DNA, causing mutation. Others cause cell division to happen faster than normal, which may lead to DNA mutation and cancer. The effects of carcinogens depend on a person's exposure to them, genetic makeup, and several other factors. The chances of getting cancer increase with greater exposure, so people who regularly inhale cigarette smoke are at risk. Carcinogens in cigarette smoke include formaldehyde, betel quid, arsenic, and butane, among others.

    Nitrosamines

    • Nitrosamines are chemical compounds that have carcinogenic properties. They tend to be organ specific. For example, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are directly linked to lung cancer in humans. These chemicals are present in beer and bacon, and their presence is strictly limited in foods by federal agencies. This is not the case with cigarettes, where nitrosamines are among the main ingredients. These include nitrosonornicotine, nitrosoanatabine, nitrosoanabasine, and the compound (4-methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK).

    Other Harmful Ingredients

    • There are many other harmful chemicals in cigarettes that are not classified as carcinogens or nitrosamines. These include ammonia (often an ingredient in household cleaning products), DDT (a now-banned pesticide), cadmium (used in batteries), cyanide (poison), lead (often poisonous), benzene (used to make rubber), Napthalene (found in mothballs), and tar.

    Benign Additives

    • Some ingredients in cigarettes are not toxic. These ingredients, found in some but not all cigarettes, include yeast, beeswax, wine, and chocolate, which are often added to improve the taste or aroma of cigarettes.

    Limiting Exposure

    • The best way to limit exposure to harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke is not to smoke cigarettes. Second-hand smoke is nearly as harmful and should also be avoided. Filters in cigarettes slightly diminish the body's intake of nitrosamines, but carcinogens will be inhaled no matter what. The chemicals in cigarette smoke increase the presence of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. Eliminating that intake improves circulation and decreases coughing.

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