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Tobacco Scientific Facts
Many perceptions and myths exist concerning tobacco and smoking. Incorrect information can mislead first-time smokers or current smokers to believe that it is possible to smoke in ways that are less harmful to their health.
Health Canada has done much research and analysis on this subject. We would like to share with you the facts about tobacco and smoking, based on science. For example, we know that tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 different chemicals. At least 50 of these chemicals are known to cause, trigger, or promote cancer.
Below, you will find "quick facts" on a number of related tobacco topics.
Links to full factsheets are provided for further information.
Little Cigars
- Little cigars (also called "cigarillos") are a relatively new tobacco product. They are similar in appearance to a cigarette.
- Smoking little cigars poses the same risk of harmful health effects as smoking cigarettes.
- The origin and type of tobacco used in little cigars are different to that used in cigarettes sold in Canada.
- The smoke from little cigars contains the same chemicals as the smoke from cigarettes sold in Canada.
More information on little cigars
Contraband Cigarettes
- Contraband cigarettes raise several questions regarding their health effects.
- Smoking contraband cigarettes poses the same risk of harmful health effects as smoking legal cigarettes.
- The smoke from contraband cigarettes contains the same chemicals as the smoke from legal cigarettes sold in Canada.
More information on contraband cigarettes
Aromatic Amines
- At least 50 chemicals in tobacco smoke, including aromatic amines, are known to cause, initiate or promote cancer.
- The exposure to these chemicals is capable of triggering the conversion of normal cells into cancer cells (mutation).
- Aromatic amines present in tobacco smoke have a high potential to develop mutations that can cause cancer.
More information on aromatic amines
