|
Researchers have identified more than 4,000 chemicals in
tobacco smoke. Among them:
 |
Ammonia (boosts
absorption of nicotine) |
|
Flavorings
to mask the harsh taste of tobacco, making it easier for young people and first-time users
to learn to smoke. |
|
Menthol to
numb the throat so as to not feel the smoke’s irritating effects. |
|
Acetaldehyde
(thought to work with nicotine to enhance addiction) |
|
Acetone (a
toxic solvent) |
|
Arsenic (a
poison) |
|
Cadmium (a
human carcinogen) |
|
Carbon monoxide
(highly toxic) |
|
Formaldehyde
(a probable cause of cancer, also used as an embalming fluid) |
|
Mercury (a
toxic substance) |
|
Nitrosamines (probable
causes of cancer) |
|
Polemonium (a
radioactive substance known to cause cancer) |
Sources: U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, Campaign
for Tobacco-Free Kids, "Reducing Tobacco Use", A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000.
For more information, contact:
Tobacco Free Nebraska
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026
Phone: (402) 471-2101
E-mail: TFN Info |
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