Sixteen Dangerous Compounds in Tobacco.

The body can rid itself naturally of some of these compounds but others are retained for a very long time. Smokers, dippers, and chewers take in small portions of each of these compounds each time tobacco is used. This accumulation eventually causes diseases of the heart and lungs.

1. ACROLEIN
A toxic, colorless liquid with irritating vapors.
2. CARBON MONOXIDE
A highly toxic, flammable gas used in the manufacture of numerous chemical products. Inhalation of carbon monoxide interferes with the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in which it is required.
3. NICOTINE
A poisonous alkaloid that is the chief active principle of tobacco. It is also used as an insecticide, and to kill parasitic worms in animals. (It has been used effectively in killing man-eating sharks, drs).
4. AMMONIA
A gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen used as a coolant in refrigerating and air-conditioning equipment, and in explosives, artificial fertilizers, and disinfectants.
5. FORMIC ACID
A pungent liquid acid used in processing textiles and leather. Exposure to the acid irritates the mucous membranes and causes blistering.
6. HYDROGEN CYANIDE
An extremely poisonous liquid used in many chemical processes including fumigation and the case hardening of iron and steel. Hydrogen cyanide gas poisoning is used as a method of capital punishment.
7. NITROUS OXIDES
A group of irritating and sometimes poisonous gases which combine with hydrocarbons to produce smog. Nitrogen dioxide can weaken bodily tissues and increase susceptibility to respiratory ailments.
8. FORMALDEHYDE
A pungent gas used primarily as a disinfectant and preservative. It is extremely irritating to the mucous membranes.
9. PHENOL
A caustic, poisonous acidic compound present in coal and wood tar, which is used as a disinfectant.
10. ACETALDEHYDE
A highly toxic, flammable liquid, which irritates the eyes and mucous membranes and accelerates the action of the heart. Prolonged exposure causes blood pressure to rise and decreases the number of white and red blood cells.
11. HYDROGEN SULFIDE
A poisonous gas produced naturally from putrefying matter and used extensively in chemical laboratories.
12. PYRIDINE
A flammable liquid used in pharmaceuticals, water repellents, bactericides, and herbicides.
13. METHYL CHLORIDE
A toxic gas used in the production of rubber, in paint remover, and as an antiknock agent in gasoline.
14. ACETONITRILE
A toxic compound found in coal tar and molasses residue and used in the production of plastics, rubber, acrylic fiber, insecticide, and perfumery.
15. PROPIONALDEHYDE
A colorless liquid with a suffocating odor used as a chemical disinfectant and preservative, as well as in plastic and rubber production.
16. METHANOL
A poisonous liquid alcohol used in automotive antifreezes, rocket fuels, synthetic dyestuffs, resins, drugs, and perfumes.
- via The Book of Lists #2, pp. 388-89
(source: The Journal of Norwegian
Medical Associates, Nov. 10, 1973)

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