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Smoking & Its Hazards

The surgeon general has released numerous reports since 1964 on the effects of tobacco smoke on the human body. The conclusions over the years have been consistent: There is no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. Smokers are not the only ones at risk. Secondhand smoke affects non-smoking adults and children and causes birth defects. Substance addiction, cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems and reproductive effects are all attributable to exposure to tobacco smoke.

  1. Addiction

    • Nicotine is the primary component of tobacco that causes addiction. The Department of Health and Human Services reported that a third of first-time smokers become addicted. Gimmick cigarettes like filtered, low-tar and the like may be hampering cessation attempts by convincing consumers they are a safer alternative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only about 5 percent of people who try to quit are successful the first time.

    Cancer

    • Cancer can occur when DNA is altered by carcinogenic substances. There are over 60 cancer-causing substances in tobacco smoke. These carcinogens affect virtually every system and organ in the human body. Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer from tobacco smoke. The CDC attributes over 80 percent of lung cancer deaths to tobacco smoke. Other areas commonly affected by tobacco smoke include the larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys and bladder.

    Cardiovascular

    • CDC studies have determined that tobacco smoke doubles the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Because other lifestyle and genetic factors also influence these problems, tobacco smoke can be doubly harmful. Tobacco smoke causes blood vessel constriction. This reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause problems ranging from pain to tissue death. High cholesterol causes plaque to form on the internal walls of blood vessels. This constriction in turn causes high blood pressure and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

    Pulmonary

    • In addition to lung cancer, tobacco smoke can cause emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to include either or both of these conditions. Emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs that allow air exchange. Old lesser-oxygenated air can't escape and new oxygenated air can't get in. Chronic bronchitis is restricted airways in the lungs. The constriction forms excess mucus and limits airflow. Both of these diseases make it difficult to breathe.

    Birth Defects

    • Tobacco smoke exposure can cause affect fertility in both men and women and cause birth defects. The high blood pressure caused by tobacco smoke can lead to placenta problems, resulting in developmental problems with the fetus. Low birth weight, premature delivery, mental retardation and cleft palate are a few examples.

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