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

Smokers, 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