7 Chemicals in Cigarettes That Cause Cancer

7. Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde’s concentration per cigarette can range from 980µg to 1.37 mg.

While cigarettes contain high levels of acetaldehyde, it’s carcinogenic potential isn’t so high. However, this chemical, along with nicotine, is responsible for the development of addiction, since it appears that the combination of acetaldehyde and nicotine is more addictive than nicotine alone. Acetaldehyde isn’t actually used as an additive in cigarettes but is produced when other compounds such as sugar and glycerol burn.