Cigarettes: Emitting Hazardous Air Pollutants And Harmful Chemicals

Cigarette smoke is a major contributor to air pollution, with tobacco smoke being the leading cause of indoor air pollution. The smoke emitted from cigarettes contains fine particulate matter, which is the most harmful element of air pollution for human health. These particles can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, causing serious health issues such as aggravated asthma, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis, and lung damage. Additionally, cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde, which can linger on surfaces and in textiles even after the cigarette is finished. The health effects of cigarette smoke exposure are significant, with cardiovascular disease being a leading concern. Studies have also shown a link between cigarette smoke and lung cancer, as well as other health issues.

Cigarette smoke produces 10 times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust

A controlled experiment reported in Tobacco Control found that cigarette smoke produces 10 times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust. The experiment was carried out in a private garage in a small mountain town in northern Italy, which has very low levels of particulate matter air pollution. A turbo diesel 2-litre engine was started and left idling for 30 minutes in the garage with the doors closed. After this, the doors were left open for four hours. The car was fuelled with low-sulphur fuel. Then, three filter cigarettes were lit up sequentially and left smouldering for a further 30 minutes. The combined particulate levels in the first hour after the engine had been started measured 88 ug/m3, while the levels in the first hour after the cigarettes had been lit measured 830 ug/m3: 10 times greater.

The diesel engine exhaust doubled the particulate matter levels found outdoors at its peak, but the environmental tobacco smoke particulate matter reached levels 15 times those measured outdoors. Environmental tobacco smoke produces fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health. Levels indoors can far exceed those outdoors because new engine models and lead-free fuels have cut the levels of particulate matter emissions from car exhausts.

The tiny particulate matter, less than 2.5 micrometres, can penetrate right into the alveoli in the lungs, where carcinogens do the most damage. Most of the chemicals emitted from cigarettes are very short-lived, so they mostly damage the local environment. However, they can also have more far-reaching effects. For example, passive smokers who have excessive exposure to the tobacco smoke environment have around a 30% greater risk of developing fetal coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) than active smokers.

The higher the levels of particulates and the longer the exposure, the more risk there is of experiencing symptoms and health effects. Particles can aggravate many respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. They can also enter the bloodstream, causing premature death in people with heart and lung disease. Even short-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 air pollution is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Tobacco smoke is a mixture of 90% gas and 10% particles

Tobacco smoke is a major contributor to air pollution, and its components can linger in indoor spaces for extended periods. It is primarily composed of 90% gas and 10% particles, making it an aerosol. The gas and particle composition of tobacco smoke has significant health implications, with the particles being the most dangerous element of air pollution for human health.

The particles in tobacco smoke are extremely fine and invisible to the naked eye. They can remain suspended in the air for a while before settling on surfaces, floors, walls, and textiles. These particles can be inhaled and lodge deep into the lungs, causing serious health issues such as aggravated asthma, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis, and even lung damage. The smaller the particulate matter, the more harmful it is to human health. PM2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less, has been linked to cardiovascular problems such as myocardial infarction, ischemia, and strokes.

The gas component of tobacco smoke also contains harmful substances. Gaseous pollutants include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which can be toxic. These gases contribute to indoor air pollution and can have adverse effects on human health.

Tobacco smoke is a significant source of indoor air pollution, and its impact can be long-lasting. It is important to note that both active and passive smokers are at risk of inhaling these harmful substances. Additionally, non-smokers living with smokers can be exposed to similar levels of harmful particles as those found in highly polluted cities.

The particles and chemicals released from burning tobacco can adhere to various surfaces, such as seats, carpets, and rugs, in enclosed spaces like cars. This phenomenon, known as "third-hand smoke," poses a real danger that is often underestimated. It is challenging to completely remove these particles, and they can persist for several months or even years. To mitigate the risks, it is recommended to air out indoor spaces and consider replacing certain household items, such as furniture, paint, flooring, or ventilation systems, that may be contaminated by long-term smoking.

Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of fetal coronary artery disease

Cigarette smoke is a major contributor to air pollution. A controlled experiment reported in Tobacco Control found that the air pollution emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust. Environmental tobacco smoke produces fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health.

Cigarette smoke is also a leading cause of fetal coronary artery disease. In a study of 22 fetal deaths and 36 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims, it was found that in 28 of 58 cases, the mothers were smokers. Multifocal coronary lesions were detected in 10 of 12 fetuses and in 15 of 16 infants whose mothers smoked. In comparison, arterial lesions in infants with nonsmoking mothers were observed in only five cases (two of 10 fetuses and three of 20 infants). These findings suggest a strong link between maternal cigarette smoking and fetal coronary artery lesions.

The mechanisms underlying the development of fetal coronary artery disease due to cigarette smoke exposure are complex. Cigarette smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Activation of AhR by cigarette smoke up-regulates the expression of inflammatory genes and accelerates the atherosclerotic process. The accumulation of cholesterol within macrophages is also stimulated by cigarette smoke extract, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.

Additionally, cigarette smoking impairs the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and coronary arteries, which is reversible with smoking cessation. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and sudden death. Even short-term exposure to secondhand smoke has detrimental effects on endothelial function, increasing the risk of acute coronary events and hospitalizations.

The harmful effects of cigarette smoke on fetal health and the development of coronary artery disease highlight the importance of smoking cessation and the prevention of passive smoking exposure, especially during pregnancy.

Cigarette smoke is a major cause of lung cancer

Cigarette smoke is not only harmful to active smokers but also to passive smokers. Secondhand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke, is the third most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. Even after smoking cessation, the genetic changes and abnormalities induced by cigarette smoke can persist for many years, increasing the risk of lung cancer in former smokers.

The smoke produced by cigarettes contains fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health. These invisible fine particles can lodge deep into the lungs, causing serious health issues such as aggravated asthma, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis, and lung damage. The higher the levels of particulate matter and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of adverse health effects.

In addition to lung cancer, cigarette smoke exposure has been linked to other health issues such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a significant health concern worldwide, responsible for about 30% of all deaths. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of fetal coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI).

The air pollution emitted by cigarettes is also a concern. A controlled experiment found that cigarette smoke produces ten times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust. This is due to the high levels of fine particulate matter and toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, released into the air.

Cigarette smoke can cause or aggravate respiratory illnesses

Cigarette smoke is a major cause of air pollution, producing ten times more pollution than diesel car exhaust. It is composed of fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health. These particles can be carried deep into the lungs, where they can cause serious damage.

Respiratory illnesses that can be caused or aggravated by cigarette smoke include asthma, a chronic lung disease that affects close to 28 million Americans. Smoke irritates the air passages, triggering sudden and severe asthma attacks. Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma and are at a higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Cigarette smoke is also the leading cause of chronic bronchitis, a long-term inflammation of the large airways that causes shortness of breath and coughing. It is also a major cause of emphysema, which affects the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, and extreme fatigue. Emphysema can also cause sleep and heart problems, weight loss, and depression.

In addition to these illnesses, cigarette smoke is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, responsible for around 90% of lung cancer cases. Lung cancer often has no symptoms until it has advanced, and the survival rate remains low. Smoking during pregnancy can also cause babies to be born prematurely or with low birth weight, increasing the risk of health complications and death.

Frequently asked questions