Top 10 Ingredients in Cigarettes that are Harmful

9. Ammonia

Ammonia, which is up next on our list of top 10 ingredients in cigarettes that are harmful is much like its predecessor, is a colorless, highly-irritating gas with a sharp smell. It is present in the environment, but in low amounts, and in fact, is essential for many biological processes. It is an important component in the manufacturing of fertilizers, as it is a source of nitrogen. However, the large amount in cigarette smoke released directly into the lungs makes it very dangerous for the smoker’s health. Ammonia is added to cigarettes as it elevates the effect of nicotine in a chemical reaction known as freebasing. Ammonia has its own side effects on health too; it causes burning of the nose and throat and increases respiratory distress by destroying the airway and causing edema in the bronchioles and alveoli.