Why is tobacco so deadly?

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 CHEMICALS. At least 40 of then are known to cause cancer and heart disease.

The three most harmful components of tobacco are:

Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that stimulates the nervous system and
causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase. It also narrows the blood vessels and so reduces the blood supply to heart and brain. The tightening up of the small blood vessels under the skin causes wrinkles.

Tar

Tar is a brown, stick substance that contains many poisonous chemicals that can cause cancers. Tar gets deposited in the lungs and damages the small hairs called cilla, which clean the lungs. Tar is also an irritant that causes coughing and chronic chest problems.

Low tar cigarettes? - Don't fool yourself...

Many smokers believe that switching to a low-tar cigarette (light or ultras)is healthier - it is not. Tobacco companies add high levels of ammonia to low-tar cigarettes so nicotine hits the brain quicker. This maintains the smoker's addiction whilst misleading them into believing that low-tar cigarettes are a healthy option.

Also, smokers used to certain levels of nicotine, who them switch to low-tar
brand, tend to compensate by dragging deeper on the cigarette to satisfy their craving. 'Roll-up' cigarettes have the same harmful effects as a standard cigarette.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas with no smell. It is found in exhaust fumes, faulty gas heaters and burning cigarettes. Carbon monoxide prevents
the blood taking oxygen form the lungs. If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day you will have around 10% less oxygen in your body. This leads to low energy, shortness of breath and tiredness. It also thickens the blood, can cause fatty deposits to clog up your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke and limp amputation.