Negative Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Smoking cigarettes affects almost every aspect of a smoker's life. Every internal organ is affected by smoking. Many of the effects of smoking are at least partially reversible if the smoker quits smoking. For example, within the first day of kicking the habit, the risk of heart disease and stroke is decreased as a direct result of the increase in oxygen and decrease of carbon dioxide. However, these effects increase within minutes of taking one puff.

Respiratory Difficulties

• Smoking affects the heart and lungs. While some of the effects are reversible, this is only the case if you stop smoking before the damage is very bad. With every inhalation of cigarette smoke, the lining of the bronchial tubes become irritated. This causes them to produce mucus. This mucus then leads to chronic coughing. It can also cause asthma-like symptoms in a non-asthmatic. COPD is another complication caused by smoking. With these effects on the lungs, walking or any activity may become very difficult.

Cancer

• Cigarettes contain additives that are known carcinogens, which means they are known to cause cancer. These carcinogens include formaldehyde and hydrocarbon. Lung cancer, mouth cancer and throat cancer are the three most prevalent cancers that have a direct link to cigarette smoking. In some cases, the cancer may not be caught until the point where it is untreatable.

Circulatory System Problems

• When you smoke, the cigarette fumes replace oxygen in the body. This means that less oxygen gets to the heart. This can cause an irregular heartbeat and other complications. The chemicals in cigarettes also deposit plaque. As this plaque builds up, the risk of having a heart attack increases because blood supply to the heart is restricted.

Social Effects

• The negative effects of smoking aren't limited to only health-related issues. Cigarette smoking also causes certain social effects. As people are becoming more health conscious, smoking is becoming a taboo. Secondhand smoke dangers, as well as the unpleasant smell of cigarette smoke, are contributing factors to the social stigma.

Effect on Possessions

• Cigarette smoke affects household belongings. Glass on mirrors, windows and furniture will become hazy when exposed to cigarette smoke for an extended period. Cloth furniture, carpet and other items with porous surfaces absorb the cigarette smoke, which causes the items to hold the smoke smell. This smell will become stale as time progresses.