Carcinogens in cigar smoke include the following: benzene aromatic amines (especially carcinogens such as 2-naphthylamine and 4-minobiphenyl) vinyl chloride ethylene oxide arsenic chromium cadmium nitrosamines polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons There are some differences between cigar and cigarette smoke, though. These differences are due to the long aging and fermentation process used for cigar tobacco and to the fact that the cigar wrapper is not as porous as cigarette paper. Cigar tobacco has a high concentration of nitrogen compounds (nitrates and nitrites). During fermentation and smoking, these compounds give off several tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), some of the most potent human carcinogens known. Also, because the cigar wrapper is less porous than cigarette paper, the tobacco doesn't burn as completely. The result is a higher concentration of nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide and tar--all very harmful. In a recent study, researchers found that the concentrations of carbon monoxide at two cigar social events in San Francisco were higher than the levels found on a busy California freeway. Had these indoor exposures lasted eight hours, they would have exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air established by the Environmental Protection Agency. While the health effects on nonsmokers at cigar social events have not been studied, there is clearly an increased risk of lung cancer from long-term exposure to secondhand smoke. Are Cigars Addictive? Nicotine is the substance in tobacco that causes addiction. Most cigars have as much nicotine as several cigarettes. When cigar smokers inhale, nicotine is absorbed as rapidly as it is with cigarettes. For those who do not inhale, it is absorbed, more slowly through the lining of the mouth. People who use smokeless tobacco absorb nicotine the same way. Both inhaled and non-inhaled nicotine are highly addictive. Are there Federal Laws Regulating Cigars? Cigars have...