How are tar and carbon monoxide harmful to you?
One of the most harmful of the gases in cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide is the same gas as that in car exhaust. Carbon monoxide (CO) replaces oxygen in the blood, making it difficult for the body’s cells to get all the oxygen they need. CO also promotes cholesterol deposits in the arteries, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Elevated CO blood levels impair vision and judgment, making smoking potentially dangerous to drivers. Elevated CO levels can cause tiredness, a condition that bothers many smokers.
