What is it about tobacco that causes its smoke to seep into walls and linger when other burnt plant material does not (at least not nearly to the same degree)?

Question

Marijuana, smudging sage or cedar, paper, incense, etc have a pretty strong smell but they dissipate much faster than tobacco smoke especially cigar smoke

In: 652

Answer 1

There is a lot of tar in cigarette smoke. It is an oily substance so it sticks to stuff. This is the cause of the discoloration and lingering odors. Many other substances have varying levels. Pot has a lot and will do the same over time. Cleaner stuff like paper does not and will not leave the residue.

Answer 2

There is a lot of tar in cigarette smoke. It is an oily substance so it sticks to stuff. This is the cause of the discoloration and lingering odors. Many other substances have varying levels. Pot has a lot and will do the same over time. Cleaner stuff like paper does not and will not leave the residue.

Answer 3

Nothing in particular, it’s just frequency. Smoking a joint or two a night will definitely stain your walls,/impart some smel/etc. Smoking 3-4 cigs an hour….well. you get the picture.

Answer 4

If OP wants a scientific answer, it likely has to do with the organic chemistry of the tars and their constituents. UV light from the sun breaks almost stuff down eventually but there is probably some molecule in tobacco tar that is resistant to degradation. I’ve never studied tobacco but I’m sure there is plenty of literature

Answer 5

If OP wants a scientific answer, it likely has to do with the organic chemistry of the tars and their constituents. UV light from the sun breaks almost stuff down eventually but there is probably some molecule in tobacco tar that is resistant to degradation. I’ve never studied tobacco but I’m sure there is plenty of literature

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

There is a lot of tar in cigarette smoke. It is an oily substance so it sticks to stuff. This is the cause of the discoloration and lingering odors. Many other substances have varying levels. Pot has a lot and will do the same over time. Cleaner stuff like paper does not and will not leave the residue.

Answer 9

If OP wants a scientific answer, it likely has to do with the organic chemistry of the tars and their constituents. UV light from the sun breaks almost stuff down eventually but there is probably some molecule in tobacco tar that is resistant to degradation. I’ve never studied tobacco but I’m sure there is plenty of literature

Answer 10

Smoking tobacco has a lot of sugar in it (which is part of its “casing.”) I’m pretty sure it is the sugar which causes tobacco smoke to stick to things and stay put. Carmel vapor floating onto and sticking to surfaces (including your lungs).