This set of human lungs is covered in tar from cigarettes, giving it a black coating. Smoke and nicotine in cigarettes can further damage the lungs by destroying small sacs used in gas exchange inside of the lungs. This can lead to diseases such as emphysema, which can make breathing difficult. This real human specimen was preserved through the process of plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens and patented between 1977 and 1982. Von Hagens' goal was to preserve specimens for medical study.

Plastination is a multi-step process that can take up to a year to complete. All bodily fluids and soluble fats are removed from the specimens and then replaced by resins and elastomers, natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties. Once the specimen has absorbed these substances, it can be cured with gas, light or heat to harden and preserve it. The plastination took place at the Institute for Plastination in Germany.