(2) Carbon monoxide and nicotine Explanation: Particulate matter consists of millions of tiny particles of diverse chemical composition. Particulate matter from tobacco smoke includes many particles in the size range that reflects light, which explains why tobacco smoke is easily seen by the eye. In contrast to smoke particles, gases emitted by the cigarette such as benzene and carbon monoxide (CO) are invisible to the eye. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) are major components of cigarette smoke and can enter deep into the lung where they can cause serious health problems.