According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 4,000 chemicals in most commercial brands of cigarettes, and at least 250 are known to be harmful to the human body. Of the 250 harmful chemicals, at least 50 of them are proven carcinogens, and many others are suspected carcinogens, or have been linked to other diseases and ailments.
Acetone
Acetone is a chemical typically used in solvents, and it is often sold in its pure form as a commercial-grade solvent. Acetone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and prolonged exposure can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys.
Cresol
Like acetone, cresol is often used in solvents as well as disinfectants and preservatives. Cresol exposure can be irritating to the skin, nose, throat and respiratory system, and prolonged exposure can lead to diseases of the upper respiratory system.
Cadmium
Cadmium is commonly used in ball bearings, batteries as well as metal paints and pigments for automotive and machine parts. Prolonged cadmium exposure can lead to cancer, liver damage, kidney damage and brain damage.
Catechol
Catechol is an antioxidant substance commonly found in dyes, inks and automotive and house paints. Catechol can cause high blood pressure when exposed to the body, as well as contact dermatitis and upper respiratory infection and disease.
Styrene
Commonly used in insulation, fiberglass and piping, styrene may be linked to leukemia, and contact can lead to headache, eye irritation, fatigue and dizziness. Styrene is on OSHA's list of hazardous chemicals, and when used in building materials, it must be closely monitored for safety.
Acrolein
Acrolein is a chemical commonly used in tear gas and other military grade weapons. Acrolein can cause extreme eye irritation, and it can cause severe upper respiratory disorders through prolonged exposure.
Lead
Commonly used in paint, solder, bronze and other metal alloys, lead can be found in many brands of cigarettes. Exposure to lead can lead to brain damage, kidney damage, anemia, stomach problems and reproductive damage. Second-hand smoke can be particularly harmful to children because of their sensitivity to lead.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is regularly used in fiberboard, particleboard, plywood and foam insulation as a resin agent. Formaldehyde can cause lung damage, skin irritation, nasal cancer and intestinal problems after prolonged exposure.
Hydrogen Cyanide
Commonly used in the production of wood resins and plastics, hydrogen cyanide is also used in gas chambers for state-ordered executions in some states in the US. Hydrogen cyanide causes nausea, headache, fatigue and lung damage, as well as death, if exposed in extremely high doses.
Nickel
Used in stainless steel, batteries and other metal alloys, nickel exposure can cause asthma, bronchitis and respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure has been linked to several types of cancer, though many studies in this area are inconclusive.
Quinoline
Quinoline is often used as a solvent for certain resinous materials, and it is similar to acetone in nature. Quinoline can cause eye damage, liver damage, and it has been linked to possible genetic mutations, though more research needs to be done in this area before it is confirmed.
References
- OSHA: Styrene
- National Cancer Institute: Quitting Smoking: Why to Quit and How to Get Help
- "Smoke Screen"; Amanda Strongfellow; 2009
