These substances irritate the linings of the air passages of your lungs ie; bronchi and bronchioles and cause them to become sore and inflamed. You then produce quantities of mucus which can become infected. Your body takes in less oxygen and you become breathless.

What is NICOTINE?

Nicotine is an addictive drug. Addictive means once you start - you keep on craving for more!!

Nicotine is a stimulant. It increases the rate of your heart beat.

Nicotine also increases the likelihood of plaque formation and a build up of cholesterol and fats on the walls of your blood vessels. This causes your arteries to clog up and can lead to heart disease or strokes.

What else do cigarettes contain?

Carbon monoxide

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which sticks to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells and reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry.

Are there any more poisons?

Plenty!!

Tar is also in tobacco smoke. Tar coats the linings of your lungs and reduces the amount of oxygen your body can take in. It is also one of a number of carcinogens.