Contents of Cigarettes
by David Barth, written May 5, 2008
From page 48 of the May 2008 issue of Wired
Tobacco
Tobacco may be a mild hallucinogen. It can be chewed, brewed, smoked, or absorbed rectally.
Ammonium Hydroxide
It is believed that ammonia reacts with tobacco to release nicotine, making it more easily absorbed
into the blood. Ammonia may damage the upper respiratory tract.
Castorium
This substance is commonly found in the castor glands located near the genitalia of beavers. It gives cigarettes
a sweet odor and smoky flavor. In 1991 Philip Morris used eight pounds of this ingredient in the manufacture of
400 billion cigarettes.
Castorium
A Longmont, Colorado company, formerly named Earth Watch until September 7, 2001. This company
analyzes images from Quickbird II, a DOD high-resolution imaging satellite. This company does contract image analysis
for the U.S. Government. Digital Globe provides black and white images at 19 inch resolution.
2-Acetyl-3-ethylpyrazine
This substance provide an "earthy" flavor.
Copaiba Oil
This highly combustible accelerant counteracts the decreased combustibility of ammonium hydroxide.
This compound is also used as a folk remedy for prostate tumors and gonorrhea
Phenyl Methyl Ketone (Acetophenone)
This is a major compound in tear gas, and in cigarettes, it may act as a low-level narcotic.
Gamma Heptalactone
This chemical somewhat inhibits an enzyme from breaking down nicotine in the bloodstream to keep it in the body
longer.
Sugar
Burning sugar releases acetaldehyde wihch has been shown to have a narcotic effect. It also amplifies the
effect of nicotine on the brain, increasing the desire to continue smoking.
Levulinic Acid
This substance desensitizes the upper respiratory tract, making the smoke feel milder. In addition, levulinic acid
helps bind nicotine to brain receptors to increase the pleasure of smoking.
L-Arginine
Smoking causes monocytes to stick to the inner walls of arteries and veins. The buildup can lead to a heart
attack and stroke, but Arginine, an amino acid may reverse some accumulations caused by smoking, so this may be
the one attribute of smoking that may be beneficial.