Shocking Facts About Cigarette Chemicals!

Cigarettes are more than just dried tobacco—they’re chemical weapons in disguise. In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction,

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dives deep into the real science behind cigarette smoke and its devastating impact on the human body.

With over 7,000 chemicals per puff—and 69 known carcinogens—smoking unleashes a toxic storm on your cells, your DNA, and every organ system.

Forget nicotine being the main villain; it’s the harmful byproducts of combustion—like benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, and heavy metals—that cause the real destruction.

This episode breaks down the concept of bioavailability, showing how smoke chemicals rapidly enter the bloodstream and brain, triggering inflammation, cellular damage, and cancer risk.

The discussion also explores cutting-edge biomarkers like cotinine and NNAL that reveal hidden exposure—even in non-smokers affected by second-hand and third-hand smoke.Is there such a thing as a “safer” cigarette? Spoiler: No.

The chemical complexity of smoke means that changing one toxin can amplify another. From oxidative stress to DNA adducts, the biological havoc is unstoppable.If you’re a healthcare professional, smoker, or just health-curious, this is a must-watch. Empower your knowledge with hard-hitting science and understand why smoking cessation is not just an option—it’s urgent.

Chapters

00:00 – The Chemical Truth About Cigarette Smoke

00:16 – What’s Inside a Cigarette and Its Smoke

01:00 – Toxic Substances and Their Effects on the Body

01:45 – Nicotine’s Role in Addiction vs. Disease

02:00 – How Chemicals Enter and Damage the Body

02:30 – Understanding Biomarkers of Exposure (Cotinine, NNAL)

03:10 – Biomarkers of Effect: DNA Damage and Inflammation

03:45 – Why Biomarkers Matter in Healthcare

04:20 – The Danger of Passive and Third-Hand Smoke

04:55 – Chemical Interactions and Smoking Addiction

05:30 – Clinical Relevance and Smoking Cessation Advocacy

06:00 – Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode