Reviewed 2/19/2024
What's in cigarette smoke?
Arsenic? Yep. Formaldehyde? That too.
Here’s a more complete list of the chemicals you breathe in with cigarette smoke—many that are linked to cancer.
ACETONE
Found in nail polish remover.
ACETIC ACID
Found in hair dye.
AMMONIA
Used in household cleaners.
ARSENIC
Found in rat poison and pesticides. Known to cause cancer.
BENZENE
Found in rubber cement and gasoline. Known to cause cancer.
BUTANE
Found in lighter fluid.
CADMIUM
Found in batteries. Known to cause cancer.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Found in car exhaust fumes.
FORMALDEHYDE
Used in embalming fluid. Known to cause cancer.
HEXAMINE
Found in barbecue lighter fluid.
HYDROGEN CYANIDE
Used as a chemical weapon.
LEAD
Found in batteries. May cause cancer.
METHANOL
Found in rocket fuel and antifreeze.
NAPHTHALENE
Found in mothballs. May cause cancer.
NICOTINE
Used as an insecticide.
TOLUENE
Used to make paint thinners. May cause cancer.
Your healthier future awaits! See how your health starts improving as soon as you quit smoking.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. “Arsenic and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/arsenic.html.
- American Cancer Society. “Benzene and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/benzene.html.
- American Cancer Society. “Harmful Chemicals in Tobacco Products.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/carcinogens-found-in-tobacco-products.html.
- American Lung Association. “What’s In a Cigarette?” https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/whats-in-a-cigarette.