Answer: Some of the components in tobacco smoke include:
Nicotine (the addictive drug that produces the effects in the brain that people are looking for)
Hydrogen cyanide.
Formaldehyde.
Lead.
Arsenic.
Ammonia.
Radioactive elements, such as polonium-210
Benzene.
Explanation: Highly damaging components of tobacco smoke include:
tar – is the word for the solid particles suspended in tobacco smoke. The particles contain chemicals, including cancer-causing substances (carcinogens). Tar is sticky and brown, and stains teeth, fingernails and lung tissue
carbon monoxide – is a poisonous gas. It is odourless and colourless and, in large doses, quickly causes death because it takes the place of oxygen in the blood. In people who smoke, the carbon monoxide in their blood makes it harder for oxygen to get to their organs and muscles
oxidizing chemicals – are highly reactive chemicals that can damage the heart muscles and blood vessels of people who smoke. They react with cholesterol, leading to the build-up of fatty material on artery walls. Their actions lead to heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease
metals – tobacco smoke contains several metals that cause cancer, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead and nickel
radioactive compounds – tobacco smoke contains radioactive compounds that are known to be carcinogenic.
The effects of tobacco smoke on the body include:
raised blood pressure and heart rate
constriction (tightening) of blood vessels in the skin, resulting in a drop in skin temperature
less oxygen carried by the blood during exercise
‘stickier’ blood, which is more prone to clotting
damage to the lining of the arteries, which is thought to be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits on the artery walls)
reduced blood flow to extremities (fingers and toes)
increased risk of stroke and heart attack due to blockages of the blood supply.
