What Chemicals are Really in a Cigarette?

14 May What Chemicals are Really in a Cigarette?

Olivia Gooderham

Chemicals Inside a Cigarette.

Tobacco that is found in a cigarette is not just made up of nicotine and tobacco leaves. Other chemicals and substances are added for flavour, shelf life and mouth feel. There are thousands of chemicals in tobacco, and at least 70 of these are known to cause cancers. The cancer-causing chemicals are known as carcinogens.

Some chemicals found in tobacco are nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance that is relatively harmless. Tar, which is a sticky brown substance that causes staining of the teeth, yellowing of fingers and is a carcinogen, damaging the lungs making their ability to absorb oxygen and fight infection decline. Formaldehyde, which is a flammable chemical that causes irritation and damage to the airways, it is also a carcinogen. And, Benzene, which is a flammable chemical that is also found in crude oils. In severe cases, benzene has been seen to decrease red blood cells and damage bone marrow.

What Chemicals Occur When You Smoke a Cigarette?

Carbon monoxide is the most known chemical to occur when a cigarette is smoked. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that takes the place of oxygen in the blood. This forces the heart to work harder and causes the lungs damage resulting in them not working correctly. Cells and tissues within the body are also stopped from receiving the oxygen they require ad this can result in heart disease or a stroke. Smoking during pregnancy also prevents the baby from accessing the oxygen required for growth, possibly causing low birth weight, premature birth, and SIDS.

How to Quit Smoking?

To quit smoking, visit Kick-it.org.uk, a free stop smoking service for the London boroughs (Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, Kingston and Kingston and Chelsea). Kick-it offers a free, evidence-based service for all smokers who would like support in giving up. All clients receive six weeks of 1-1 support from a specialist stop smoking advisor who will tailor their support to everyone, as we recognise that everyone is different.