Chemicals in Tobacco Smoke

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Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic. About 70 can cause cancer. Here are some of the chemicals.

Cancer-Causing Chemicals

  • Formaldehyde: Used to embalm dead bodies
  • Benzene: Found in gasoline
  • Polonium 210: Radioactive and very toxic
  • Vinyl chloride: Used to make pipes

Toxic Metals

  • Chromium: Used to make steel
  • Arsenic: Used in pesticides
  • Lead: Once used in paint
  • Cadmium: Used to make batteries

Poison Gases

  • Carbon monoxide: Found in car exhausts
  • Hydrogen cyanide: Used in chemical weapons
  • Ammonia: Used in household cleaners
  • Butane: Used in lighter fluid
  • Toluene: Found in paint thinners
Page last reviewed: March 21, 2011
Content source: Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion