What's in a cigarette?

Tobacco smoke is both toxic and addictive.

Tobacco smoke contains around 7,000 chemicals. Many of these are poisonous and over 60 are known to be cancer causing (carcinogenic). No wonder so many smokers would like help quitting.

The chemicals in cigarettes include:

Nicotine
Nicotine is a colourless, poisonous alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant. It is a powerful drug, which affects the brain and quickly becomes addictive.

Tar
‘Tar’ is the term used to describe the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. It’s a sticky brown substance that forms when tobacco cools and condenses. It collects in the lungs and can cause cancer.

Carbon monoxide
An odourless, colourless gas that is released from burning tobacco. When it is inhaled it enters the blood stream and interferes with the working of the heart and the blood vessels. Up to 15% of a smoker’s blood can be carrying carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.

Arsenic
Arsenic-containing pesticides used in tobacco farming occur in small quantities in cigarette smoke. Arsenic is commonly found in rat poison.

Ammonia
Ammonia is a toxic, colourless gas with a sharp odour. Ammonia compounds are commonly used in cleaning products and fertilisers. Also used to boost the impact of nicotine in manufactured cigarettes.

Acetone
Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent. Nail polish remover is a solvent, for example.

Toluene
Toluene is a highly toxic chemical. Industrial uses include rubbers, oils, resins, adhesives, inks, detergents, dyes and explosives.

Methylamine
Chemical found in tanning lotion.

Pesticides
A number of pesticides (toxic chemicals used to kill pests, usually insects) are present in cigarette smoke. These pesticides find their way into cigarettes because they’re used on tobacco plants as they are growing.

Polonium – 210
Radioactive element – used in nuclear weapons as well as an atomic heat source.

Methanol
Fuel used in the aviation industry.