To find out how dangerous the content of cigarettes is, it can be seen from the number of compounds in cigarette smoke. There are about 5000 different compounds and some are toxic to the body, just from cigarette smoke alone.
The toxic content of cigarettes has the potential to damage body cells. In addition, compounds in cigarette smoke are also carcinogenic alias trigger cancer. In cigarettes, there are 250 types of toxic substances and 70 types of substances known to be carcinogenic.
The content comes from the main raw material of cigarettes, namely tobacco. In addition, dyes which are commonly used to make cigarettes look more attractive can increase the toxic potential of cigarettes. Its properties that provide an addictive or addictive effect, also should not be forgotten.
Another thing that should be noted is the ability of some ingredients in cigarettes to change the physical properties of cigarette smoke, so that the levels of toxins and nicotine in a smoker's body become higher.
The content of cigarettes that are destructive
As mentioned above, the content of cigarettes that are harmful to the body is very much. The bad effects of the dangers of cigarette smoke can happen to anyone who smokes frequently, including pregnant women. Some of the compounds contained in cigarettes below are examples:
- Carbon monoxide
One of the contents of cigarettes which is a toxic gas is carbon monoxide. This compound is a gas that has no taste and odor. If you inhale too much, red blood cells will bind more carbon monoxide than oxygen. As a result, muscle and heart function will decrease. This will cause fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
On a large scale, someone who inhales it can go into a coma or even death. Fetuses, people with heart problems, and people with lung disease are the groups most susceptible to this toxin.
- Nicotine
The content of cigarettes that is most often alluded to is nicotine. Nicotine has an addictive effect like opium and morphine. Nicotine functions as an intermediary in the brain's nervous system causing a variety of biochemical reactions, including pleasant and calming effects.
Nicotine inhaled by smokers will be absorbed into the bloodstream, then stimulate the body to produce more adrenaline, causing an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Effects that may arise from exposure to nicotine are vomiting, seizures, and suppression of the central nervous system.
- Tar
Another carcinogenic content of cigarettes is tar. Tar inhaled by smokers will settle in the lungs. Tar deposits are at high risk of causing diseases of the lungs, such as lung cancer and emphysema.
Not only that, tar will enter the blood circulation and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and fertility disorders. Tar can be seen through the yellow stains left on the teeth and fingers. Since tar goes directly into the mouth, this harmful substance can also cause gum problems and oral cancer.
- Hydrogen cyanide
Another toxic compound that is the building block of cigarettes is hydrogen cyanide. Several countries have used this compound to execute convicts. Currently, hydrogen cyanide is also used in the textile, plastics, paper industries, and is often used as an ingredient in insecticide fumes. The effects of these compounds can weaken the lungs, causing fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
- Benzene
Benzene is a residue from burning cigarettes. Long-term exposure to benzene (a year or more), can lower red blood cell counts and damage bone marrow, increasing the risk of anemia and bleeding. In addition, benzene also damages white blood cells, thereby lowering the immune system and increasing the risk of leukemia.
- FormaldehydeFormaldehyde is a residue from cigarette burning. In the short term, formaldehyde causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. In the long term, formaldehyde can increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.
- ArsenicArsenic is the first class of carcinogens. Exposure to high levels of arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer, lung cancer, urinary tract cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer. Arsenic is found in cigarettes through pesticides used in tobacco farming.
- Cadmium
About 40-60 percent of the cadmium contained in cigarette smoke, is absorbed into the lungs when smoking. High levels of cadmium in the body can cause sensory disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, muscle cramps, kidney failure, and increase the risk of cancer.
- Ammonia
Ammonia is a poisonous gas, colorless, but has a pungent odor. In the cigarette industry, ammonia is used to enhance the effects of nicotine addiction.
In the short term, inhalation and exposure to ammonia can result in shortness of breath, shortness of breath, eye irritation, and sore throat. While the long-term impact is pneumonia and throat cancer.
Seeing the dangers of the toxic and carcinogenic content of cigarettes above, it is proper to stop smoking. From now on, try to make efforts to quit smoking to prevent further damage that occurs in the body.