The National Cancer Institute reports that smoking cigarettes causes damage to most organs in the body and is the leading cause of death from cancer. Smoking also causes respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and increases the risk of heart attack. In 1988, the Surgeon General reported that nicotine in the tobacco is the addictive ingredient in cigarettes, and the institute reports that there are about 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke; 250 of these chemicals are known to be harmful to one's health.
Harmful Chemicals
According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco smoke contains multiple chemicals known to be hazardous. A small sample of these chemicals include: cadmium, a component of batteries; polonium-210, a radioactive substance; benzene, an ingredient of gasoline; arsenic, a known poison; formaldehyde, a chemical used to embalm corpses; hydrogen cyanide, a component of chemical weapons. These chemicals are just a partial list of the 250 known hazardous chemicals that have been found in tobacco smoke. The American Lung Association confirms these additives, and offers other chemical ingredients: acetic acid, which is added to hair dye; butane, an ingredient of lighter fluid; ammonia, a component of glass cleaner. These harmful chemicals are some of the components of "tar," which is the part of cigarette smoke left after nicotine and water have evaporated, according to Philip Morris International.
Carbon Monoxide
Another component of cigarette smoke is carbon monoxide, a substance known to cause serious health problems. The gas, according to the online medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus, is colorless and odorless, but can cause illness and even death. Carbon monoxide is a component of fumes made by cars, trucks, and stoves. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide intoxication can cause death.
Nicotine
Nicotine is the component of cigarettes that causes pleasurable sensations. However, nicotine is also the addictive component of cigarettes. The American Cancer Society says an addiction to nicotine is similar to an addiction to cocaine or heroin. The American Cancer Society reports that in very large doses, nicotine is a poison that can stop a person's breathing and even cause death. In smaller doses, it causes dizziness and may cause nausea. Nicotine is not the substance of cigarette smoke that causes cancer, though it may help existing cancer spread. The danger of nicotine is its addictive quality, which causes the smoker to be exposed to the other components of cigarette smoke that do cause cancer.
