--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The injurious agent in cigarettes comes…" description: "\"The injurious agent in cigarettes comes principally from the burning paper wrapper. The substance thereby formed is called \"acrolein.\" It has a violent..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ec/thomas-a-edison-866_action_the-injurious-agent-in-cigarettes-comes_2805117.jpg" --- # The injurious agent in cigarettes comes principally from… ![“The injurious agent in cigarettes comes principally from the burning paper wrapper. The substance thereby formed is called "acrolein." It has a violent action on the nerve centers, producing degeneration of the cells of the brain, which is quite rapid among boys. Unlike most narcotics, this…” quote by Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ec/thomas-a-edison-866_action_the-injurious-agent-in-cigarettes-comes_2805117.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ec/thomas-a-edison-866_action_the-injurious-agent-in-cigarettes-comes_2805117.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ec/thomas-a-edison-866_action_the-injurious-agent-in-cigarettes-comes_2805117.jpg) > “The injurious agent in cigarettes comes principally from the burning paper wrapper. The substance thereby formed is called "acrolein." It has a violent action on the nerve centers, producing degeneration of the cells of the brain, which is quite rapid among boys. Unlike most narcotics, this degeneration is permanent and uncontrollable. I employ no person who smokes cigarettes.” [Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-edison/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Edison warns that the chemicals produced by burning cigarette paper damage brain cells, especially in boys, and the harm is permanent. **In simple terms:** Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can cause lasting brain damage. Key Takeaway Avoid smoking to protect brain health. Themes health science addiction neuroscience Mood concerned serious Type informative warning When to use this quote - personal health decisions - parental guidance - policy advocacy Key Concepts toxicity neurodegeneration public health Questions to Reflect On - How does this information change your view on smoking? - What alternatives can reduce nicotine dependence? A Different Perspective The claim about acrolein’s specific effects is debated and may lack modern scientific consensus. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Boys](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boys/) [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Cigarette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cigarette/) [Narcotics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narcotics/) [Nerves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nerves/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Smoke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smoke/) [Violent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violent/) [Wine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wine/) ## Related quotes > [Hysteria and degeneration have always existed; but they formerly showed themselves sporadically, and had no importance in the life of the whole community. 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