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10 Facts About Smoking 

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Smoking 1 cigarette can take 11 minutes off your life. Read that again..slowly.

Smoking causes 9 out of 10 of all lung cancer deaths in the world. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death, causing more than 8 million deaths per year.

Despite these risks, millions of people continue to smoke, mainly because it has been a part of human culture for centuries and they are addicted. People continue dying due to this addiction and also the lack of proper information about the risks surrounding this killer habit.

While people smoke due to different reasons, it is very important to note that smoking is highly addictive and very harmful to one’s health. Cigarettes contain over 250 toxic substances and 70 carcinogens. Here are 10 facts about smoking.

1. Smoking Is The World’s Number One Cause Of Preventable Death

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. It is estimated that tobacco use causes nearly 8 million deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries because that is where over 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live.

The normal Cigarette has a toxic and carcinogen mixture of about 7000 chemicals which badly affects the body. It is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Other health problems associated with smoking include but are not limited to, an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, chronic bronchitis, cataracts, and osteoporosis.

2. Smoking Affects The Health Of Non-Smokers As Well

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Secondhand smoke or passive smoking is the inhalation of tobacco smoke by persons other than the intended ‘active’ smoker. Passive smoking happens when non-smokers are near smokers and they inhale the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by a smoker.

Passive smoking is harmful to non-smokers and it can lead to a wide range of health problems like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. For children, it causes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

3. Quitting Smoking Leads To Immediate Health Benefits

All forms of tobacco are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide. When users become aware of the dangers involved, most want to quit the habit.

Quitting leads to immediate health benefits, including improved lung function and reduced risk of heart disease. Within the first 20 minutes of quitting, one’s blood pressure and heart rate begin to drop. 

There are long-term health benefits too. Within 1 to 9 months, coughing and shortness of breath greatly improve. After 5 years, the risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker, and after 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is reduced by half. For sure, quitting smoking is one of the best things one can do for their health.

4. This Habit Can Cause Infertility

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Smoking can cause infertility in both men and women. Exposure to tobacco smoke reduces fertility by negatively affecting hormone production, thus making it difficult to conceive and also reducing libido.

Smoking damages the DNA in sperm and also reduces the sperm count thus reducing the chances of making a woman pregnant.

5. Smoking Causes Bad Breath

Halitosis is bad breath. It can be caused by other factors but unfortunately smoking ranks very high among the reasons. People who smoke have smoker’s breath which is a stale scent, created by the cigarette smoke that is left lingering in one’s throat and lungs.

Halitosis is very embarrassing and can cause anxiety and a lack of self-confidence. Quitting not only improves one’s overall health but also comes with fresher breath and more confidence.

6. Smoking Does Not Relive Stress

When a smoker feels stressed, their first response is to smoke a cigarette. They experience temporary feelings of relaxation or stress relief but it is a short-lived effect.

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, temporarily stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. At the same time, nicotine makes your heart rate and blood pressure spike. The heart then starts to work harder making it more difficult to relax leading to an increase in anxiety and tension.

Soon after, one starts to have withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings for cigarettes, and the cycle is repeated leading to addiction and an increase in stress levels in the long term.

7. Cigarettes Cause Wrinkles And Aging Prematurely

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Smoking damages the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which are responsible for keeping skin firm and supple. That’s not all, smoking also decreases blood flow to the skin, which can result in a dull, grayish complexion.

Smoking will not only cause discoloration of the skin, including yellowing of the fingers and nails as well as premature skin aging, but it will also make you have delayed wound healing, and increased infections. It may also lead to skin diseases like psoriasis, acne, eczema, and skin cancer.

8. Smoking During Pregnancy Is Harmful

Smoking during pregnancy should be avoided. It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies, low birth weight, miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Chemicals in cigarettes cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus, thus babies are born with birth defects and also puts the mother at risk of all the health complications discussed herein.

9. Smoking Reduces The Sense Of Taste And Smell 

Smoking damages the sensory cells in the nose and mouth, which can lead to a decreased ability to taste and smell flavors.

It also causes a buildup of tar and other chemicals in the nose and mouth, which can further block the sense of smell and taste. This means that smokers don’t enjoy foods and drinks that much because the taste is dulled or altered.

10. Cigarette Companies Still Advertise Their Products

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The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars each year on advertising and marketing to encourage people to start smoking or to continue smoking, despite the known health risks. The industry intentionally misleads consumers with terms such as “light” and “low-tar” to create the perception that these products are less harmful which is a lie.

The truth is that smoking not only damages the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, skin, and eyes. Smoking also affects the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

In conclusion, smoking has no benefits and should be avoided at all costs. It is also important to adhere to healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances like tobacco.

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