Chemicals in cigarette smoke

Question 1

Name three chemicals found in cigarette smoke

Answer 1

Tar
Nicotine
Carbon monoxide

Question 2

What is the effect of tar?

Answer 2

Tar: Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens, including tar. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, and cancer of the mouth, throat and oesophagus.

Question 3

What is the effect of nicotine?

Answer 3

Nicotine: Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco. It reaches the brain within 20 seconds and creates a dependency so that smokers become addicted. Smokers can suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they try to give up cigarettes.

Question 4

What is the effect of carbon monoxide?

Answer 4

Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin in red blood cells and so reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This puts extra strain on the circulatory system, and can cause an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
Smoking during pregnancy is very dangerous. It reduces the amount of oxygen available to the growing fetus, which leads to an increased risk of low birth weights of babies.