Stoptober: What really goes into a cigarette

by Taryn Davies | 2 October 2014

A single cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals

This month sees Stoptober take place the campaign, supported by the NHS, encourages people to stop smoking for 28 days as they're more likely to give up for good then.

There are plenty advice pieces and tips that you can use to help you give up smoking, but probably the most shocking and awakening is when you stop and consider what is actually in your cigarette.

With the help of TV doctor and HealthExpress.co.uk advisor Dr Hilary Jones we have the facts on what really goes into a cigarette.

Maybe it will help you rethink next time you reach for your packet.

What really goes into a cigarette?

Over two billion people in the world are smokers, which is around a third of the world’s population. Although the number of people smoking in Britain has halved over the last 50 years due to numerous health awareness campaigns, many are still spending thousands of pounds each year on cigarettes, with very few actually knowing what goes into them.

Shockingly a single cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, around 70 of which are known to be cancerous, according to cancer research.

Chemicals used in batteries are also found in cigarettes

Most of us are aware that cigarettes contain nicotine, tobacco, tar and other toxic chemicals but what are they and what implications can they have on our health?

Here is a breakdown of some of the most well-known chemicals often found in cigarettes:

Nicotine- found naturally in tobacco, nicotine is a strong poisonous drug that in its purest form could kill a human with a single drop, and is just as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Often used in pesticides and bug sprays this is a toxic chemical and takes just 10 seconds for the drug to reach your brain from inhaling cigarette smoke.

Tar- a mixture of lots of chemicals, this forms a sticky brown residue that sticks to the lungs and stains smoker’s fingers and teeth.

Tobacco- a green, leafy plant that is grown in warm climates. After it is picked, it is dried, ground up, and used in different ways. It can be smoked in a cigarette, pipe, or cigar.

It's time to make the change and quitting smoking this Stoptober

As well as tobacco, other chemicals are added to form a cigarette. More than often, these are toxic. Here is the list of harmful chemicals that are typically found in cigarettes: