We have reported before that whole phase cigarette smoke (CS) contains stable oxidants that cause oxidative damage and increased proteolysis of proteins [Free Radic. Biol. Med. 27 (1999) 1064]. Here, we demonstrate that these oxidants are exclusively present in the tar phase of the CS and not its gas phase and can almost wholly account for the observed whole phase CS-induced oxidation of human plasma proteins as well as extensive oxidative proteolysis of guinea pig lung and heart microsomal proteins in vitro. The mechanism of the tar phase CS-induced proteolysis of microsomal proteins involves two-steps: (i) initial oxidation of the proteins by oxidants present in the tar extract followed by (ii) rapid proteolytic degradation of the oxidized proteins by proteases present in the microsomes. Like the whole phase CS, the oxidative damage of proteins caused by the tar phase CS, as evidenced by the formation of protein carbonyl and bityrosine as well as loss of tryptophan residues and thiol groups, is also almost completely prevented by ascorbic acid and only partially by glutathione. Other antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, beta-carotene and mannitol are ineffective. This again leads us to suggest that adequate intake of vitamin C may help smokers to evade the CS-induced degenerative diseases associated with oxidative damage. The revelation of the acute toxicity of the tar phase with respect to CS-induced oxidative damage also urges the necessity of trapping it more effectively by suitable cigarette filters to reduce the health damage caused to smokers.