Cigarettes are a cocktail of more than 4000 chemicals. More than 69 of these are known carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents.

Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas produced by burning tobacco, decreases the amount of oxygen available to your body, forcing your heart to work harder. Carbon monoxide is also found in car exhaust fumes.

Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco which increases the smoker’s blood pressure and heart rate. Concentrated nicotine is a deadly poison and is widely used as an insecticide. Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine or heroin.

30 metals have been detected in tobacco smoke including nickel, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and lead. Evidence suggests that many of these compounds may be carcinogenic.

Other chemicals found in cigarettes include:

• Turpentine – commonly used as paint stripper.
• Butane – a key ingredient of gasoline.
• Ammonia – a component of toilet and floor cleaner.
• Acetone – more commonly used as nail polish remover.
• Formaldehyde – a chemical used by embalmers to preserve dead bodies.
• Methoprene – a flea repellent for your pets.

More information

To find out how much smoking costs you, try our 'cost of smoking' calculator.

For more information on quitting smoking, contact your doctor; call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or Quitline 13QUIT (13 7848) or visit www.quitnow.info.au