Cigarettes have a long history dating back thousands of years where tobacco and other substances were burned for ritualistic and religious purposes. In the 1800s, manufactured cigarettes became popular commercially starting with James Bonsack's invention of a cigarette-rolling machine. Cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals, including 60 known carcinogens. Smoking can cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, and lung damage. While some are curious or feel peer pressure to smoke, the health risks make it an unhealthy choice.