The list of additives in cigarettes includes 599
additives and since burning alters the chemical
compositions, more than 4 thousand are
created when cigarette is burned, impacting on
you and those around you
Among the most hazardous ingredients in
cigarettes are the following:
1. NICOTINE– one of the most important
ingredient in cigarettes.
Nicotine is an addictive psycho active alkaloid.
It is the primary compound in a cigarette. Since
it is a stimulant, it increases blood pressure and
constricts veins and arteries. It prompts the
body to release cholesterol and fat into the
blood stream, and may lead to the
development of blood clots.
2. BENZENE
This is a carcinogen substance. It increases the
possibility of developing leukemia. In addition,
it damages the central nervous system and can
lead to a variety of health problems. Among
them are paralysis, convulsions, tremors,
dizziness, coma, sleepiness, tightness in the
chest, anemia and bone marrow damage.
3. FORMALDEHYDE
Formaldehyde is colorless odorless and taste-
less. This gas is used to preserve dead bodies.
When a cigarette is burned, formaldehyde is
synthesized. It is responsible for eye, nose, and
throat irritations. It can also cause nausea,
wheezing, skin irritations and nasal cancer.
4. ARSENIC
This is one of the toxic chemicals commonly
used in rat poisons. Pesticides that are
commonly used on tobacco farms leech arsenic
into the plants. Potential health effects include
cancer of the kidneys, liver, bladder, skin and
lungs.
5. CADMIUM
Cadmium is a poisonous heavy metal which is
present in cigarette smoke. People who smoke
have twice the levels of cadmium in their
bodies as compared to non-smokers. Health
risks include nausea, vomiting, renal failure,
shock, convulsions, muscle cramps Äπϑ
sensory disruptions.
6. AMMONIA
Ammonia is a toxic ingredient found in
fertilizers and cleaning products. It is
incorporated into cigarettes in order to
enhance the effects of "nicotine". Its potential
effects on health include damage to the lungs
as well as death.
7. HYDROGEN CYANIDE
Which is a toxic compound used during the
manufacture of paper, plastic, Äπϑ textiles.
This poisonous chemical was used by the Nazi
soldiers in the deadly gas chambers during
World War II. Potential health risks include
headaches, weakness, dizziness, seizures,
irregular heartbeats, fainting, vomiting Äπϑ
death.
8. CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide is a lethal compound which is
present in car exhaust. Very high
concentrations are contained in cigarettes.
Among its health hazards are chest pain,
dizziness, confusion, vomiting, nausea,
disorientation, loss of consciousness Äπϑ death.
9. TSNA
This is a compound composed of four
carcinogenic chemicals. Its hazards to health
include cancer of the mouth, pancreas, lungs,
esophagus and liver.
10. POLONIUM and LEAD
These 2 ingredients are among the radioactive
chemicals in cigarette smoke. These toxic
metals stick to cigarette tar and cause
radioactive hot-spots to develop in the lungs.
Ultimately, it can cause lung cancer.
THESE INGREDIENTS ARE JUST THE TIP OF
THE ICEBERG. NUMEROUS OTHER TOXINS
HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED. THEY INCLUDE
CHEMICALS PRESENT IN ROLLED
CIGARETTES, AS WELL AS THOSE WHICH
ARE SYNTHESIZED THROUGH THE
BURNING PROCESS.
SMOKERS PLEASE HELP YOUR LIFE.
