How many chemicals could possibly be packed in one tiny cigarette that you so casually smoke every hour?
Its 8,400 -10,000 chemicals present in cigarettes
Cigarettes look deceptively simple, consisting of paper tubes containing chopped up tobacco leaf and it will deliver a steady dose of nicotine. In addition to nicotine the following components also present
- Tobacco blend
- Paper
- PVA glue and
- Cellulose acetate-based filter
Additives are used to make tobacco products more acceptable to the consumer.
- Humectants [glycol or glycerol]
- Cocoa solids
- Licorice
- Tobacco extracts
Some of the above components are harmless, but along with that 600 permitted additives are burned in cigarettes.
Every smoker should see the following list of chemicals that are present in smoke
How much can these dangerous chemicals harm you?
Nicotine
Positive effects
In low doses stimulates
- Central nervous system
- Increases the heart beat rate and blood pressure which further leading to the heart needing more oxygen
Adverse effects
- Stimulate abnormal proliferation of vascular endothelial cells
- Induces potentially atherogenic genes in human coronary artery endothelial cells
- It causes microvascular injury
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the main poisonous gas in car exhausts as well as present in cigarette smoke
It binds to haemoglobin much more readily than oxygen, thus causing the blood to carry less oxygen.
Not just tobacco, there are several harmful chemicals in cigarettes, some of which are poisonous
Other chemicals effect include
| Chemicals |
Normal usage |
| Arsenic |
Used in rat poison |
| Methane |
It is a component of rocket fuel |
| Ammonia |
It is a component of rocket fuel |
| Cadmium |
Used in batteries |
| Formaldehyde |
Body tissue preservation chemical |
| Butane |
Lighter fluid
|
| Hydrogen Cyanide |
the poison used in gas chambers |
First, Second & Third hand smoking types
Firsthand smoke
The inhalation of smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
Smoking will shorten life and leads to cancer as it blackens lungs
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals.
It has immediate adverse effects on
- Cardiovascular system
- Blood and blood vessels
- Lungs
Thirdhand smoke
Thirdhand smoke is contamination by tobacco smoke that lingers following the extinguishing of a cigarette. Studies show that thirdhand smoke clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces, even long after smoking has stopped. Thirdhand smoke residue builds up on surfaces over time and resists normal cleaning.
Reference
[1] © From http://www.buzzle.com/articles/chemicals-in-cigarettes-list.html
[2] © From http://www.tricountycessation.org/tobaccofacts/Cigarette-Ingredients.html
[3] © From http://dailyfreepress.com/2011/01/18/irresistible-rush/
[4] © From http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/alcohol/tobaccodrugs/handsmokes.html
[5] © From http://www.olivahealth.com/health/electronic-cigarettes-a-guide-to-their-benefits/
Image reference
[1] © From http://www.tricountycessation.org/tobaccofacts/Cigarette-Ingredients.html
To contact the author mail: articles@worldofchemicals.com
© WOC Article