In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke contains some 4,000 other chemicals, several of which are known to cause cancer. Other toxins and irritants found in smoke can produce eye, nose, and throat irritation. Steady users feel a relaxed mood.
Large amounts can cause appetite loss, nausea, and headache.
Due to the addictive properties of the nicotine in tobacco, the body builds up a tolerance to the drug. The toxic effects develop rapidly but the damage to the body is cumulative. Long term effects increase the chances of lung cancer and other lung diseases such as emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis, and lung abscesses. Other long term effects include heart and blood vessel disease that may result in a heart attack, coronary heart disease, and generalized hardening of the arteries. An Illinois study found a link between towns with tough controls to keep kids from buying cigarettes and lower crime rates.