Cigars are tobacco products made from cured and fermented leaves, rolled for smoking. Burning a cigar releases a complex mixture of chemicals, some inherent to tobacco and others formed during combustion. This article explores the chemical components found within cigars and their smoke.
Primary Chemical Categories
Cigar smoke contains thousands of chemicals. Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, is naturally present in tobacco and cigars. A single full-size cigar can contain 25 to 600 milligrams or more of nicotine, depending on its size and tobacco type. Nicotine can be absorbed through the mouth lining, even without inhaling.
Tar, a sticky mixture of thousands of toxic chemicals, is produced during tobacco combustion. Cigar smoke typically contains higher tar levels than cigarette smoke. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, is also present in cigar smoke. Less porous cigar wrappers cause tobacco to burn less completely, leading to higher carbon monoxide concentrations.
Specific Toxic Compounds
Cigar smoke contains many harmful compounds, including carcinogens and irritants. Formaldehyde, an embalming fluid, is a carbonyl formed during combustion. Benzene, a chemical found in gasoline, is also present. Exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia.
Hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas, is a toxic substance in cigar smoke. Yields can be significantly higher in some little cigars compared to conventional cigarettes. Ammonia is also found in cigar smoke, sometimes at levels up to 20 times higher than in cigarette smoke. Residual amounts can contribute to an unpleasant smoke.
Irritants and Heavy Metals
Acrolein, a highly irritating and toxic compound, is generated from incomplete combustion of organic matter. It contributes to non-cancer respiratory effects. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead are also found in cigar smoke. Cadmium and nickel are carcinogenic, and lead exposure can cause health issues.
Radioactive Elements
Radioactive elements such as polonium-210 are present in tobacco leaves and released into the smoke. These elements originate from fertilizers and soil, accumulating in the lungs over time.
Manufacturing Additives
Humectants, like propylene glycol and glycerol, are added during manufacturing. They maintain tobacco moisture and prevent the cigar from drying out.
Flavoring agents are incorporated into many cigars. These include natural extracts from coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and fruits, as well as artificial flavors. Flavorings may be sprayed on tobacco or infused during processing. Some cigars even have sweetened tips. These substances contribute to the cigar’s chemical profile and can change when burned.