Harms of smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. It is estimated that smoking causes more than 8 million deaths each year, and this number is expected to increase to more than 10 million by 2030. Smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases and conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many others.

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being. The following are some of the most significant harms associated with smoking:

1. Lung cancer:

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all cases. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the duration of smoking, and the age at which smoking began.

2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):

COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, and approximately 90% of COPD deaths are related to smoking.

3. Heart disease:

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Smoking can damage the lining of the arteries, causing plaque to build up and narrowing the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

4. Respiratory infections:

Smoking weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

5. Infertility and pregnancy complications:

Smoking can affect both male and female fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

6. Dental problems:

Smoking can cause dental problems such as gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

7. Vision problems:

Smoking can increase the risk of vision problems such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

8. Skin damage:

Smoking can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, and age spots.

9. Reduced sense of smell and taste:

Smoking can reduce the sense of smell and taste, which can make food less enjoyable and affect the ability to detect dangerous odors.

10. Increased risk of cancer:

Smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix.

Social and economic impacts.

In addition to these health harms, smoking can also have social and economic impacts. Smokers may experience discrimination and stigma, and smoking can be a barrier to social interaction and employment opportunities. Smoking is also expensive and can place a significant financial burden on individuals and families.

Secondhand smoke.

The harms of smoking are not limited to the smoker. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke, is a significant public health issue. Secondhand smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as firsthand smoke and can cause a range of health problems in non-smokers, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the harms of secondhand smoke. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to experience respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and asthma. Children of smokers are also more likely to become smokers themselves later in life.

Reduce the risk

The harms of smoking are preventable. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of many of the health problems associated with smoking, and the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, blood pressure and heart rate begin to drop, and within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. Within a few weeks to months, lung function and circulation improve, and the risk of many diseases begins to decrease.

There are many resources available to help people: