How Affects Lungs
Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful to the lungs. Some of the most damaging chemicals in cigarette smoke include:
* Tar: Tar is a sticky substance that coats the lungs and airways. It can damage the cells in the lungs and lead to lung cancer.
* Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a gas that reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the blood. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.
* Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is used to preserve dead bodies. It can damage the cells in the lungs and lead to lung cancer.
* Benzene: Benzene is a chemical that is used in gasoline and other industrial products. It can damage the cells in the lungs and lead to leukemia.
* Arsenic: Arsenic is a metal that is used in rat poison and other pesticides. It can damage the cells in the lungs and lead to lung cancer.
In addition to these chemicals, cigarette smoke also contains many other harmful substances, such as nicotine, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide. These substances can all damage the lungs and lead to a variety of health problems.
Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year. Smoking cigarettes not only harms the lungs, but it also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other health problems.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Quitting smoking can help improve your lung function, reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, and increase your life expectancy.
Here are some resources to help you quit smoking:
* The National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute offers a variety of resources to help you quit smoking, including information on quitting methods, support groups, and medications.
* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a variety of resources to help you quit smoking, including tips on quitting, support groups, and medications.
* SmokefreeTXT: SmokefreeTXT is a free text messaging service that provides support and encouragement to help you quit smoking.
* BecomeAnEX: BecomeAnEX is a free online program that provides support and resources to help you quit smoking.