Health Effects Caused From Cigar and Cigarette Emissions

A recent study conducted at the University of San Diego measured the nitrogen oxide (NO_x) absorbance values and the amount of particulates given off from the smoke of a cigar and cigarette. It was found that the cigar had higher absorbance values of NO_x than the cigarette, and the cigarette gave off the most particulates. It was found that the cigar and cigarette had higher absorbance values of NO_x compared to the absorbance values from motor vehicles.

Nitrogen oxides and particulates are important contributors to air pollution. Nitrogen oxides can form when cigars and cigarettes burn. The formation of nitrogen oxides is an issue because they contribute to photochemical smog and play a significant role in acid rain. Particulates are small solid or liquid particles that are suspended in a gas. Particulates and nitrogen oxides are both formed during high temperature combustion, but particulates are typically formed from the less refined fuels such as diesel or oil.