Compare the categories

Pick two product categories to see them side by side. Differences are highlighted.

Category ACategory B

Feature

Cigarettes

Cigars

Composition

Product type

Combustible tobacco product

Source: PubMed

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Category

—

Cigars

Source: PubMed

Key ingredient

—

[source needed]

Source: EFSA

Processing level

—

Source: PubMed

Quality features

Operating principle

Tobacco is burned

Source: PubMed

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Output generated

Smoke

Source: PubMed

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Temperature range

Combustion temperature ~600–900°C during burning

Source: PubMed

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Typical grade / range

—

Entry to premium

Source: FAO

Lifespan / shelf life

—

[source needed]

Source: PubMed

Core emissions

Nicotine

Released through tobacco smoke

Source: WHO

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Tar / total particulate matter

Particulate matter formed from combustion smoke

Source: PubMed

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Carbon monoxide (CO)

Formed mainly through incomplete combustion

Source: PubMed

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Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Formed during high-temperature combustion

Source: PubMed

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Ammonia

May be present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)

Formed during combustion of nitrogen-containing tobacco components

Source: PubMed

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Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)

May form during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Particulates

PM2.5

Fine particles present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Ultrafine particles

Formed in combustion smoke

Source: PubMed

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Soot / black carbon

Formed through combustion

Source: PubMed

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PAHs

Benzo[a]pyrene

PAH formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Formed mainly through high-temperature combustion

Source: PubMed

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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Benzene

VOC formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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1,3-butadiene

Combustion-related VOC

Source: PubMed

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Toluene

VOC present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Isoprene

VOC present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Acrylonitrile

VOC formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Styrene

VOC present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Ethylbenzene

VOC present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Xylene

VOC present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Carbonyls

Formaldehyde

Carbonyl formed during combustion and thermal degradation

Source: PubMed

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Acetaldehyde

Carbonyl present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Acrolein

Toxic carbonyl formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Crotonaldehyde

Carbonyl present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Propionaldehyde

Aldehyde present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Butyraldehyde

Aldehyde present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Glyoxal

Reactive carbonyl present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Methylglyoxal

Reactive carbonyl present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Acetone

Volatile carbonyl present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Phenolics

Phenol

Phenolic compound formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Catechol

Phenolic compound present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Hydroquinone

Phenolic compound present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Cresols

Phenolic compounds formed during combustion

Source: PubMed

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Nitrogen-containing compounds

Pyridine

Nitrogen-containing compound present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Quinoline

Nitrogen-containing compound present in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Furan

Volatile compound formed during heating and combustion

Source: PubMed

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Acrylamide

May form during high-temperature combustion

Source: PubMed

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Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs)

NNK

Tobacco-specific nitrosamine present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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NNN

Tobacco-specific nitrosamine present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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NAT

Tobacco-specific nitrosamine present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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NAB

Tobacco-specific nitrosamine present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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Metals & trace elements

Cadmium

Metal transferred from tobacco into smoke and ash

Source: PubMed

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Lead

May be present in tobacco smoke and ash

Source: PubMed

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Arsenic

Trace element may be present in tobacco smoke

Source: PubMed

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Chromium

May be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Nickel

May be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Mercury

Trace metal may be present depending on tobacco source

Source: PubMed

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Copper

Trace metal may be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Zinc

Trace metal may be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Aluminium

Trace metal may be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Iron

Trace metal may be present in smoke particles

Source: PubMed

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Other constituents

Glycerol degradation products

May form if glycerol or humectants are burned

Source: PubMed

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Propylene glycol degradation products

May form if propylene glycol is present and burned

Source: PubMed

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Other VOCs

Broad group of volatile organic compounds in smoke

Source: PubMed

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Other semi-volatile organic compounds

Present in smoke particulate and gas phases

Source: PubMed

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Health-related indicators

Nicotine

—

[source needed]

Source: WHO

Combustion

—

Source: PubMed

Risk-free

—

Source: WHO

Health risk level

—

Significant; see authority guidance

[source needed]

Source: WHO

Conclusions from recognized authorities

ArenaH does not draw its own conclusions. Below are positions stated by internationally recognized bodies specifically about how these categories compare.

World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO publishes topic pages and fact sheets that compare consumer product categories on health-relevant criteria. Refer to the topic page for the current public-health position.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
EFSA provides scientific opinions comparing food and feed categories on composition, additives and contaminants relevant to consumer choice.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA reviews comparative safety, labelling and health-related claims for product categories in the United States.

Similarities

Both categories belong to the broader consumer goods landscape and share common regulatory frameworks for food/product labeling where applicable. Use the highlighted rows in the table to spot the differences.

Neutral summary

Cigarettes and Cigars differ across composition, processing and consumer experience. Neither comparison is a recommendation — consult labels, local regulation, and qualified professionals for personal decisions.

ArenaH provides educational and informational comparisons only. The content is not medical, legal, financial, or technical advice. Users should consult qualified professionals or official sources before making decisions related to health, safety, law, or major purchases.