Which dangerous chemicals are found in smoking is never clear because manufacturers of tobacco products are, at this point, not required to list the ingredients contained in smoking products. However, cigarettes have been thoroughly studied to determine what makes smoking hazardous to your health. The American Lung Association reports cigarettes contain more than 600 ingredients, that when burned, create more than 4,000 chemicals. Lead, butane, nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide are a few of the chemicals in cigarettes.
Arsenic
Arsenic is an organic (naturally occurring) metalloid (properties of both a metal and nonmetal) typically found in the environment combined with other elements like oxygen, chlorine and sulfur. When combined with these elements, arsenic is considered to be inorganic. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified inorganic arsenic as a human carcinogen. A carcinogen is something that causes cancer.
The primary effect of long-term exposure to arsenic is tissue changes. Skin and exposed tissues may darken, have associated blood vessel damage resulting in bruising and develop growths similar to corns or warts. Cancer may develop in the skin, lung, liver and bladder. Other effects include fatigue, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and impaired nerve function.
Formaldehyde
The ALA lists formaldehyde as a dangerous chemical found in cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde is best known for its use in the embalming process. The ATSDR explains that at room temperature, formaldehyde is a colorless gas that has a distinct pungent smell. Formaldehyde is flammable and reacts with many other chemicals. When it burns, it breaks down into methanol and carbon monoxide. Formaldehyde is considered to be carcinogenic to humans.
Exposure to formaldehyde causes tissue irritation. Symptoms include burning eyes, nose, throat and airways. The ATSDR reported data from the National Institute of Safety and Health which stated that people with asthma can experience exacerbation of asthma symptoms when exposed to formaldehyde.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very sharp odor that is familiar to people because of its presence in common household cleaners. The ATSDR reports that exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause severe burns and permanent tissue damage to all exposed areas because it is highly corrosive. For example, breathing in ammonia can irritate or burn, depending on the amount of exposure, the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, mouth and digestive tract.
Acetone
People are familiar with the distinct smell of acetone because of its use in nail polish remover. Acetone is used to make other products because of its ability to dissolve other substances. It is this characteristic that makes acetone dangerous to humans when ingested. The ATSDR reports that acetone is shown to increase the production of certain enzymes in the body which make some chemicals more harmful. Considering cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, ingestion of these chemicals with acetone can produce toxic reactions inside body tissues.
Symptoms reported by people exposed to acetone include irritation of the nose, throat, lungs and eyes. Headache, dizziness and confusion were also reported and the severity of symptoms is dependent on the length of exposure to acetone.
About this Author
Patricia Nevins is a registered nurse with nearly 20 years of nursing experience. She obtained her Master of Science in nursing with a focus in education from the University of Phoenix. Nevins shares her passion for healthy living through her roles as educator, nursing consultant and writer.
