Cigaret

A cigarette is a small cylinder of finely cut tobacco leaves rolled in thin paper for smoking. The cigarette is ignited at one end, causing it to smolder; the resulting smoke is inhaled from the other end, which is usually filtered or open. Cigarettes are distinguished from cigars by their smaller size, use of processed leaf, and paper wrapping, which is typically white.

History

The history of cigarettes can be traced back to the early 9th century in Central America, where the Maya and later the Aztecs smoked tobacco and other psychoactive substances in a variety of forms, including reeds and smoking tubes. The modern cigarette, however, originated in the early 19th century, with the advent of industrialization and the mass production of cigarettes.

Components

Cigarettes typically contain the following components:

• Tobacco: The primary ingredient, which contains nicotine, an addictive substance.
• Paper: Used to wrap the tobacco.
• Filter: Often made of cellulose acetate, designed to reduce the amount of tar and other harmful substances inhaled.

Health Effects

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of a wide range of serious health issues, including:

• Lung cancer
• COPD
• Heart disease
• Stroke

Regulation

Many countries have implemented regulations to control the sale and consumption of cigarettes, including:

• Minimum age restrictions for purchase
• Advertising bans
• Public smoking bans
• Health warnings on packaging

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to traditional cigarettes, including:

• E-cigarettes
• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine gum

Related Pages

• Tobacco smoking
• Nicotine
• Smoking cessation
• Public health
• Cigar