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Dangers of Smoking Pipe Tobacco

There are no safe methods to prevent negative health effects from using tobacco products. Smoking a pipe can be just as hazardous to the health of a smoker as smoking a cigarette. In addition, pipe smoke causes health problems to those who may be inhaling it second hand.

  1. Cancers in the Oral Cavity

    • According to the American Cancer Society, pipe smokers are highly susceptible to different types of oral cancers. Pipe smoke contains the same harmful chemicals as cigarettes, including the addictive drug nicotine. Pipe smoke tends to be held in the mouth of the smoker rather than deeply inhaled and this leads to extended exposure of chemicals to the oral cavity. Pipe smokers are at an increased risk of developing cancers of the lips, tongue, mouth, throat and esophagus.

    Lung Cancer

    • Although many pipe smokers do not deeply inhale smoke, some smoke inevitably enters the lungs. The more deeply a smoker inhales, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer. Secondhand smoke emitted by a pipe smoker can be inhaled by others nearby, increasing their risk of developing lung cancer.

    COPD

    • Dr. Jay Adlersberg with WABC-TV in New York City, states in a 2010 story that pipe smokers are at risk of developing a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD, which may lead to death, is often seen in those who smoke pipes on a regular, long-term basis.

    Gum Disease

    • According to CVS Caremark, pipe smokers face increased risk of tooth loss and gum disease. Pipe smoke also can cause precancerous lesions to develop in the mouth. Smoking a pipe can cause a condition called hairy tongue. This occurs when the cells of the tongue do not fall off and regenerate normally, leaving bumps that that become black due to discoloration from smoke.

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