Tobacco smoke: 4,000 chemical substances

Tobacco smoke contains 4,000 chemical substances that are harmful or even carcinogenic.

The main components are carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, ammonia, acetone, methanol, cadmium and benzopyrenes.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

The carbon monoxide (CO) is identical to that contained in exhaust gases. When you smoke, it enters the bloodstream, binds to red blood cells and prevents them from transporting oxygen around the whole body. It reduces the supply of oxygen to the muscles, in particular the heart muscle, reducing their physical performance. All organs are also starved of oxygen and physical effort becomes more difficult.

Tar

The tar present in tobacco smoke is a black, sticky residue made up of thousands of chemical substances released when tobacco burns.

When inhaled, this tar is an irritant and is carcinogenic. It gets into the lungs and is deposited in the bronchial tubes and alveoli. Tar particles not only affect the lungs of smokers, but also those of people who breathe in the smoke.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a drug that causes smokers to become psychologically and physically dependent on tobacco. It has a direct effect on a part of the brain associated with feelings of pleasure. It is also found in certain herbicides and insecticides.