Harms of smoking
Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among other illnesses. It also exposes people nearby to secondhand smoke.
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 a major cause of lung cancer. 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 a major cause of COPD.
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 fertility and increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases an infant’s risk of 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 speeds up skin ageing and contributes to premature wrinkles.
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.
Smoking also affects everyday spending and shared spaces. Cigarette purchases can place a financial burden on individuals and families. Our quit-smoking savings calculator estimates spending you could avoid based on your own smoking routine.
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. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections in children, worsens asthma symptoms and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Reduce the risk
Quitting smoking reduces health risks over time. Heart rate begins to drop within minutes, and blood carbon monoxide falls over the following days. Coughing and shortness of breath decrease during the first 1–12 months. Explore our quit-smoking timeline for the longer-term milestones.
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