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Cigarette Ingredients

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  • 07-10-2009 10:25pm
    #1
    Zombienosh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,911 ✭✭✭


    Taken from http://www.giveupsmoking.ie/en/why-should-i-give-up-smoking/whats-really-in-tobacco

    There are around 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, here are just a handful of them.


    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. It can also be found in weedkiller.

    Tar

    "Tar" is the term used to describe the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. This is 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 - floor cleaner

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

    Acetone - Nail polish remover

    Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent, for example, nail polish remover.

    Toluene - Explosives

    Toluene is a highly toxic chemical. The main uses of toluene in industry include rubbers, oils, resins, adhesives, inks, detergents, dyes and explosives.

    Methylamine - tanning lotion

    A chemical found in tanning lotion.

    Pesticides - DDT

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

    Polonium –210

    A radioactive element – used in nuclear weapons, also used as an atomic heat source.
    This one scares me.

    Methanol

    A fuel used in the aviation industry.

    Formaldehyde

    It causes cancer, and can damage your lungs, skin and digestive system. Embalmers use it to preserve dead bodies.

    Lead

    Lead poisoning stunts your growth, makes you vomit, and damages your brain.


    Why are these ingredients in cigarettes?
    Have any manufacturers given valid reasons for it?


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