Dangers of Smoking Cigarettes

There are many dangers related to the habit of smoking. The health of both the smoker and the people around are affected. Smoking is a habit which causes death. People are aware of the harmful effects of smoking. The force of habit and addiction makes it difficult for a person to quit smoking. The terrifying facts related to smoking do not deter a person who smokes. The smoker also puts other people’s lives in danger. Passive smoking also causes diseases and death.

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Chemicals present in cigarettes

Nicotine- addictive
Carbon monoxide- poisonous gas present in smoke
Benzene- carcinogen causing leukemia
Ammonia- converts nicotine to gas
Formaldehyde- causes cancer, respiratory and skin problems.
Acetone- volatile liquid
Tar- The substance in smoke that gets deposited in the lungs and air passage.
Arsenic and Hydrogen cyanide

Injurious effects of smoking

Expectant mothers who smoke have risks of abortion, a low birth weight of newborn, premature baby and the fetal tobacco syndrome which is fetal mortality.
Nicotine and carbon monoxide increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Heart diseases are caused because of smoking. The blood vessels become narrow and blocked thus causing a heart attack. The person does not get a second chance if cardiac arrest occurs.
The tar which is inhaled by the smoker causes cancer. An average smoker inhales 210g of tar per year.
A person standing in a smoke-filled room will find it hard to breathe. Similarly, the smoke inhaled by the smoker deprives his body of oxygen.
People who smoke are more likely to get diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.
Smoking damages the blood supply.
Free radicals destroy or damage the cells in the body.
Cholesterol is oxidized because of smoking which leads to fat build up in arteries.
Smoking causes the lazy eye syndrome. Amblyopia is caused due to cyanide as a result of smoking. The person can become blind if untreated.
Smoking can cause macular degeneration.
Hearing loss and difficulty in vision during the night are believed to be after effects of smoking.

Passive smoking or involuntary smoking is referred to as environmental tobacco smoke. The worst affected by this are infants, children, patients and elderly people. The smoke inhaled by nonsmoking people affects their health. All the health issues that can affect the smokers can also affect the people closely associated with them. Such people have greater risks of heart problems and respiratory diseases. A pregnant passive smoker can have a baby of low birth weight. Passive smoking can also cause Infant death syndrome or other birth abnormalities. Children can develop diseases like ear infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The World Health Organization has evaluated that passive smoking is carcinogenic to people.

It takes a lot of determination and willpower to quit smoking. Seeking the help of a doctor, family members, close friends or colleagues can help to reduce the habit of smoking. The urge to smoke in trying situation should be overcome with grit. A smoker should convince his mind that smoking is injurious to his health and can affect those around him also. Participating in local support groups can help to overcome this deadly habit.

reference:Smoking
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