Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/By sakhorn38

If you’re a smoker or someone close to you is, you may be surprised to find out what’s really in cigarettes. While we all know smoking is bad for us and can ultimately have serious consequences for our health, unless you’ve done your research you may not realise just how many nasty chemicals you’re inhaling every time you take a puff. With more than 500 potentially toxic chemicals found in cigarettes, it’s pretty hard to narrow it down to a list of just 10, but if these aren’t enough to make you think twice before lighting up, I don’t know what is!

Ammonia

Often used as a flavouring agent, Ammonia is probably one of the most well-known chemicals that is found in cigarettes, because it’s also a common element found in most toilet cleaning products – which seems to really stick in your mind for some reason!

Arsenic

You don’t even really need to know what this one is to know its bad for you, because just the name sounds scary. Arsenic is found in most smoking products and is also commonly used as an ingredient in rat poison.

Hydrogen Cyanide

This is one very harsh chemical found in some cigarettes that you may not be aware of. Hydrogen Cyanide is used in Gas Chamber Poison – just something to think about next time you take a puff!

Acetone

If you’re a woman, you probably know exactly what acetone is, because it’s found in most brands of nail polish remover. What you may not know, however, is that acetone is one of the key chemicals produced in cigarette smoke. You’ve no doubt heard about the danger of second hand smoke, so just think about this nasty chemical next time you light up around someone else.

Benzene

This has to be one of the most repulsive chemicals that can be found in cigarette smoke, because not only is it horrible for your body, but it’s also a common additive in petrol.

Tar

Tar is another well-known chemical found in cigarettes – and yes, you should think of that sticky black substance that’s found on the roads. A whopping 70% of the tar that is inhaled from a cigarette will be deposited into the lungs.

Cadmium

This is one of the less well-known chemicals that can be found in both cigarettes and batteries. This type of metal has been directly related to the development of cancer in the body.

Nitrogen Oxide

A fun fact about this chemical is that not only is it found in cigarettes, but it’s also found in the fumes from your cars exhaust!

Carbon Monoxide

While you may not perceive this to be one of the most dangerous chemicals in cigarettes, carbon monoxide attaches itself to the red blood cells, depriving your body of much needed oxygen, often leading to respiratory problems.

Formaldehyde

I thought I’d save the best (more like worst) until last, when we introduce you to Formaldehyde. Sound familiar? This charming chemical is used in the process of preserving dead bodies!

When all is said and done, it’s still incredibly hard to quit smoking cold turkey due to the addictive nature of nicotine. If you’re worried about the affect smoking is having on your body and your lifestyle, consider other alternatives, such as vaping. BLACKHAWX e-cigs have just been launched in a range of different flavours and you even have the choice of choosing nicotine or nicotine-free options. Instead of using tobacco and creating smoking, electronic cigarettes eliminate the nasty chemicals listed above by using water vapor to create the ‘smoky affect’. So if you can’t quit, at least consider making the switch to a healthier alternative that could ultimately save your life.