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Cigarettes Side Effects

Since cigarettes were created in 1832, cigarette smoking has run rampant throughout developed nations. The American Cancer Society reports that as many as 43 million American adults currently smoke cigarettes. Prolonged use can lead to many health complications.

  1. Short-Term Effects

    • The nicotine contained in cigarettes causes an immediate strain on the body. Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, narrows the arteries and inhibits the the amount of oxygen the blood can carry. These short-term side effects have little effect on an otherwise healthy individual.

    Long-Term Side Effects

    • The implications of long-term cigarette use are significantly more dangerous than the immediate ones. Cigarette smoke has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth and bladder. And smokers are at risk for heart disease and lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

    Effects on Others

    • Each year, secondhand smoke causes an estimated 50,000 deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States. The surgeon general has reported that there is no safe level of exposure to smoke.

    Warning

    • Death from tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one out of every 10 deaths across the globe is tobacco related.

    Prevention

    • The only way to prevent these adverse side effects is to avoid using cigarettes and to steer clear of secondhand smoke. If you currently smoke, quitting immediately can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing any long-term side affects. For information on smoking cessation, visit Smokefree.gov.

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