Tobacco synergism

Manufacturers have acknowledged the use of hundreds of chemical additives in tobacco products (Lefifingwell et al. 1972 Philip Morris 1994). Some of these additives may synergize with nicotine or demonstrate other reinforcing effects. Cocoa, for example, contains alkaloids, which may themselves have pharmacological effects when inhaled, or may modify the effects of nicotine. Pyridine is chemically a portion of the nicotine molecule, acting as a CNS depressant similar to nicotine, although it is less potent. 

Menser, H. A., and H. E. Heggestad. Ozone and sulfur dioxide synergism Injury to tobacco plants. Science 153 424-425, 1966. 

Tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke produces particulate matter that acts as an adsorption site for toxic vapors)26 In addition to particulates, tobacco smoke produces more than 4000 individual toxic compounds, including 43 known carcinogens. 27 Many of the toxic effects of tobacco smoke that have been established empirically cannot be ascribed to individual compounds in that smoke. With more than 4000 different toxins, the number of mixtures possible is incalculable. Numerous examples of synergism between tobacco smoke and other toxicants have been identified. These include tobacco smoke and asbestos or other mineral fibers, I28 29 alcohol, I30 31 organic solvents, 32 biological... 

Tobacco smoking alone greatly enhances the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) J44l Smoking and elevated serum cholesterol level synergis-tically increase the levels of CHD observed. 61 No mechanism for the synergism was proffered by the study. 

Table II. Synergism of Methyl Parathion in Heliothis virescens, the Tobacco Budworm...

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