There may be as many as 4000 different chemicals in cigarettes. So far it has been determined that at least 50 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer.

The most commonly mentioned substances are nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. Nicotine is an insecticide. Tar is an oily substance used to pave driveways and roofs. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas found in auto exhaust. However, These may NOT be the most dangerous chemicals contained in the cigarettes.

Toxic Chemicals

Here is a random list of some of the other toxic ingredients in cigarettes:

• Ammonia: used in dry cleaning fluid and toilet cleaner
• Acetone: used as a solvent in nail polish removers
• Benzine: used as a solvent in gasoline
• Cadmium: a heavy metal used in batteries
• Formaldehyde: used in embalming fluid
• Hexamine: used in barbeque lighter fluid
• Hydrogen Cyanide: a component of the poison used in gas chambers
• Mercury
• Napthalene: used in moth balls
• Phenol: a disinfectant
• Strontium
• Styrene: a plastic
• Toluene: industrial solvent
• Zinc

Tobaccos companies add various chemicals and flavorings to cigarettes to improve the taste and to make the tobacco burn smoother and longer. It is also known that some of the chemicals increase the craving for and addiction to tobacco smoking. Smokers are exposed to many more chemicals than they realize.

The Effect of Second Hand Smoke

To make matter worse, second hand smoke is even more dangerous. The American Surgeon General found over 50 cancer causing chemicals which are found in cigarette smoke. The unfortunate result is that other people or family members can develop health problems without ever smoking a cigarette!

Don't let smoking hurt the ones you love. For more information on the dangers of second hand smoke please read: Second Hand Smoke Toxic Chemicals as soon as possible. http://stopsmokingonlinetoday.com is a website that's dedicated in helping people quit smoking. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bock