Question

What are some of the constituents of tobacco smoke? What is meant by tar in the smoke?

Short answer

Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals. Tar is a toxic residue made up of these substances.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Constituents of Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke is composed of numerous chemicals, over 7,000 have been identified. Some of the primary constituents include nicotine, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals have various effects on health, with many being carcinogenic or otherwise harmful.

Define Tar in Smoke

Tar in tobacco smoke refers to the combination of various particulate matter and chemicals that are inhaled when someone smokes. It is a sticky, brown substance responsible for much of the staining and harmful deposits in the lungs. Tar contains many of the carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.

Key concepts

Understanding Tar in Tobacco Smoke

Tar is a major component of tobacco smoke, often recognized for its sticky and brown appearance. When tobacco is smoked, a complex mixture of particulate matter forms. This mixture is referred to as "tar." Tar contains numerous harmful chemicals, many of which are known to be carcinogenic. When inhaled, tar deposits on the lining of the lungs and respiratory tract, exposing cells to toxic substances. Some notable characteristics of tar include:

• Sticky and thick, which causes it to coat surfaces it comes in contact with.
• Contains a variety of hazardous chemicals.
• Responsible for staining teeth and lungs.

Understanding tar is crucial as it's linked to several health issues, primarily lung diseases and cancers. By knowing more about tar, one can better comprehend the risks associated with smoking.

Carcinogenic Chemicals in Tobacco Smoke

Carcinogenic chemicals are substances known to cause cancer. In tobacco smoke, many of these chemicals are present, making smoking a significant health risk. Some common carcinogens found in tobacco smoke include:

• Formaldehyde: Used in industrial products but also present in cigarette smoke. It's a known carcinogen affecting the nasal cavity and throat.


• Benzene: A component of crude oil, also linked with blood disorders and leukemia.


• Arsenic: Known for its use in pesticides, arsenic is toxic and carcinogenic, particularly affecting the skin, bladder, and lungs.

Consistent exposure to these chemicals through smoking increases the likelihood of developing cancer over time. Thus, understanding the carcinogenic nature of tobacco smoke is key in recognizing the health risks involved.

Exploring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of chemicals that form during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, or tobacco. They are notable for their potential to cause cancer, especially when inhaled as part of tobacco smoke. Key points about PAHs include:

• Exist in various forms, often as colorless, white, or pale-yellow solids.


• Some PAHs found in tobacco smoke can interact with DNA, causing mutations that may lead to cancer.


• Linked to lung cancer and other respiratory conditions.

Understanding PAHs is essential for grasping the broader impacts of smoking on one's health, as they highlight the complex and dangerous nature of tobacco smoke. This emphasizes why reducing exposure to tobacco smoke is critical for health preservation.