Tobacco : Behind the Smoke (infographic)

The Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana)

Naturally contains 2,500 chemicals including nicotine, the highly addictive substance responsible for tobacco addiction.

Anatomy of a cigarette

Cigarette paper, shredded tobacco, filter

Smoking cigarettes

The burning of the tobacco releases 7,000+ chemicals including 70+ that are cancer-causing.

Toxic chemicals are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and to the entire body.

Exposure to smoke

People who smoke, and everyone around them, are exposed to toxic chemicals, including:

• Tar
• Hydrogen cyanide
• Formaldehyde
• Carbon Monoxide
• Benzene

These can cause a number of adverse health effects, including:

• Cancer
• Respiratory diseases
• Cardiovascular illnesses
• Premature deaths

Take a closer look: Canada.ca/Tobacco