Effects of Cigarette Smoke

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health, but many do not realize the multitude of health problems that can arise from smoking cigarettes. Smoking effects almost every system in your body. From the immune system all the way down to DNA, the benefits one may think they get from smoking pale in comparison to the negative effects on both the smoker and people around them.

Effects

• Hundred of chemicals in cigarettes are toxins that can cause serious damage. Carcinogens cause cancer by damaging genes that control cell growth. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, lowering oxygen levels.

Related Diseases

• The leading cause of death from cigarette smoke is heart disease. Other smoking-related diseases include lung cancer and emphysema.

Appearance

• A smoker can always be spotted by the yellowing of their teeth. Cigarette smoke also emits an unpleasant odor that sticks to hair and clothing, even after washing.

Smoking and Pregnancy

• Pregnant woman who smoke are at risk for a complications, including ectopic pregnancy, premature birth and miscarriage. The baby may be stillborn, weigh less, and have increased nicotine receptors in the brain.

Secondhand Smoke

• Secondhand smoke is cigarette smoke inhaled by nonsmokers. It can cause many health conditions including asthma and cancer.