Posted on October 18, 2007 in Latest News
If you think that your cigar contains only nicotine, then you are greatly mistaken. It is not nicotine, but the myriad of other toxins present in tobacco and its combustion products, that are responsible for the vast majority of tobacco-caused fatal diseases.
You might be surprised to find the names of some of the deadly chemicals found in cigarette smoke. They include:
Tar
The cigar 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. Some are known for their adverse effects on bones and skins. Once inhaled, smoke condenses and about 70 per cent of the tar in the smoke is deposited in the smoker’s lungs.
Benzene (petrol additive)
A colorless cyclic hydrocarbon obtained from coal and petroleum, used as a solvent in fuel and in chemical manufacture - and contained in cigarette smoke. It is a known carcinogen and is associated with leukaemia.
Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
A colorless liquid, highly poisonous, used to preserve dead bodies - also found in cigarette smoke, known to cause cancer, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems.
Ammonia
It is found everywhere in the environment but is very toxic in combination with certain elements.
Acetone
It is a fragrant volatile liquid used as a solvent - found in cigarette smoke.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
An odorless, tasteless and poisonous gas, rapidly fatal in large amounts - it’s the same gas that comes out of car exhausts and is the main gas in cigarette smoke, formed when the cigarette is lit.
Nicotine
It is an addictive drug as powerful as cocaine or heroin. It alters the brain as well as a person’s behaviour and mood. It is also used in insecticides
Arsenic
It is a potent deadly poison.
Vinyl chloride
It is used to make vinyl products. Short-term exposure causes dizziness, headaches and tiredness. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer and liver damage.
Polonium 210
It is a radioactive substance that requires special handling techniques when studied in labs. It can cause cancer of the liver and bladder, stomach ulcers, leukaemia amongst other diseases.
Acrolein
It is an extremely toxic substance used to manufacture acrylic acid. It is considered a possible human carcinogen and it irritates the lungs and is the cause of emphysema
Hydrogen cyanide
It is a deadly toxic poison used to kill rats. If breathed in small doses, it can cause headaches, dizziness and weakness.
Toluene
It is used to manufacture paint, paint thinners, nail varnish and adhesives. Low - moderate levels can provoke tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite and memory loss.
In fact smoking is the biggest cause of preventable death in the world. The above list is a very small list. Cigarette smoke contains many more harmful gases, chemicals and toxins. Anything and everything that is bad for health is a part of smoke. So, just beware when you light your next cigarette.
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January 8th, 2008 at 7:54 am
The information you have provided is scientific. It is really a aye opener for me. Now Iam able to know what is there really in a cigrette which i have occasionly smoked. Now am really clear that i will nevar smoke in my life here after. Also i will educate others not to smoke. Your service is really greate.