Cigars are rolls of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or a tobacco-containing substance. While often perceived as a less harmful tobacco option than cigarettes, cigars contain the same toxic compounds and chemicals found in cigarette smoke, making them equally harmful. This article clarifies these health implications by examining the specific components of cigar smoke and their effects on the body.
Harmful Components of Cigar Smoke
Cigar smoke contains a complex mixture of toxic and cancer-causing chemicals, often in higher concentrations than cigarette smoke. The fermentation process for cigar tobacco produces high levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines, which, along with other carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, and formaldehyde, contribute significantly to health risks.
The less porous nature of cigar wrappers leads to incomplete tobacco burning, resulting in higher concentrations of harmful substances like carbon monoxide, ammonia, and tar. Additionally, cigars can contain radioactive elements such as polonium-210, which can contribute to lung damage over time. These harmful compounds are present in the smoke regardless of whether it is inhaled.
Oral and Upper Respiratory Health Risks
Direct contact of cigar smoke with the mouth and upper airways poses significant health risks. Regular cigar smoking substantially increases the likelihood of oral cancers, affecting the lips, tongue, and other parts of the mouth, and also elevates the risk of developing cancers of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box).
Even for individuals who do not inhale, the oral cavity and throat are directly exposed to toxic chemicals. Swallowing saliva containing these chemicals further exposes the esophagus to carcinogens, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Beyond cancers, cigar smoking is linked to gum disease, tooth loss, and stained teeth due to irritating chemicals.
Systemic Health Risks
The health consequences of cigar smoking extend throughout the body, impacting various organ systems even without deep inhalation. Regular cigar smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, which rises with increased inhalation and daily cigar count; for those smoking five or more cigars daily with moderate inhalation, this risk can approach that of a daily cigarette smoker.
Cigar smoking also elevates the risk of heart disease, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Exposure to cigar smoke is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of progressive lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. Cigar use is also associated with an increased risk of other cancers, such as those of the pancreas and bladder.
Nicotine Addiction and Dependence
Cigars contain substantial amounts of nicotine, the substance responsible for tobacco addiction. A single large cigar can contain anywhere from 25 to 600 milligrams of nicotine, considerably higher than the 1 to 2 milligrams typically found in a cigarette.
Nicotine from cigar smoke is readily absorbed through the lining of the mouth, even without inhaling. This absorption pathway delivers significant amounts of nicotine to the bloodstream, leading to physical dependence and addiction. The addictive nature of cigars can make quitting challenging, as individuals may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Exposure to secondhand cigar smoke poses health risks to non-smokers in shared environments. Secondhand cigar smoke contains many of the same toxic and carcinogenic chemicals found in the smoke inhaled by the smoker, including carbon monoxide, nitrosamines, and various particulate matter.
Non-smokers exposed to cigar smoke are at increased risk for respiratory problems, including asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Prolonged exposure can also contribute to the development of heart disease and various cancers. The larger size of many cigars and their longer burning time can result in higher overall exposure to harmful substances in indoor environments.