What Are Combustion Byproducts?

At The Safe Cig and with many other electronic cigarette companies, the term combustion byproducts is often used. Understanding what that term means in relation to cigarettes will further enhance your knowledge of eCigarettes and what is being eliminated.

Combustion byproducts are the secondary chemicals created through the process of burning any substance. In cigarettes, the combustion process is responsible for the chemical reaction that changes nicotine containing tobacco and cigarette paper into smoke with over 4,000 toxic chemicals. Included in that figure are a minimum of 40 known carcinogens (cancer causing agents) with some reports claiming as many as 70 carcinogens. 

The list of chemicals produced is extensive. Common in anti-smoking commercials and advertising are formaldehyde, arsenic, and cyanide. The effects of each of these three chemicals alone have severe consequences to human and animal health; receiving warnings noted on Material Safety Data Sheets as probable cancer-causing chemicals.

Formaldehyde is responsible for watery eyes; burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing or wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation with short-term exposure. Long-term exposure of formaldehyde is associated with a variety of cancers and a higher rate of death as a result of cancer.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element. When levels increase in the body, poisoning can occur causing headache, confusion, convulsion, diarrhea, vomiting, coma, or death. Arsenic is related to heart disease, cancer, stroke, lower-respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Long term exposure to arsenic is related to Vitamin A deficiencies, commonly attributed to night blindness and heart disease.

Cyanide was first used as a chemical weapon in the form of gaseous hydrogen cyanide in World War I. Hydrogen cyanide is present in the smoke produced by cigarettes. Once ingested through inhalation, the poison is distributed throughout the organs and tissues quickly. The process renders the body unable to properly oxygenate at the cellular level. The result is seizures, apnea, and cardiovascular collapse - also known as circulatory failure.

One common notation by smokers is that their extremities are often cold. Within only 8 hours after a person quits smoking, oxygen levels in the blood return to normal and circulation shows signs of improvement within 2 weeks to three months. The reason for the quick improvement is the lack of toxins entering the body that cause these challenges. Cyanide and arsenic contribute to circulatory and heart issues.

It is imperative that smokers are aware of the effects of these most-commonly noted chemicals found in cigarette combustion byproducts. Electronic cigarettes do not contain combustion byproducts, thus eliminating deadly toxins from the body.

Featured Post: As Reported in the New York Times.