What in cigarette smoke is harmful?
Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of chemicals produced by the burning of tobacco and the additives. The smoke contains tar, which is made up of more than 4,000 chemicals, including over 60 known to cause cancer. Some of these substances cause heart and lung diseases, and all of them can be deadly. You might be surprised to know some of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke. They include: • cyanide • benzene • formaldehyde • methanol (wood alcohol) • acetylene (the fuel used in welding torches) • ammonia Cigarette smoke also contains the poisonous gases nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. The active ingredient that produces the effect people are looking for is nicotine, an addictive drug.
