Do you smoke cigarettes regularly? Are you finding it hard to quit smoking? Read on to learn more about the hazards of smoking, that will make you quit smoking for good, starting today.
Hazards of Tobacco Smoking
Cigarette smoke hosts more than 4,000 chemicals, including about 50 cancer-causing agents. Many of the chemicals are also poisonous. By law, cigarette makers need to publish a health warning on cigarette packs. There are other hazards of smoking such as:
- Smoking causes emphysema, heart disease, lung cancer and may create complications in pregnancy.
- Pregnant women who smoke may cause fetal injury. Their babies may have low birth weight or may even be born prematurely.
- Tobacco smoke also contains carbon monoxide.
More Dangers of Cigarette Smoking
Cigarettes are a legal product that can harm you and even lead to death, if used regularly for a long period. Fifty percent of smokers may die because of their deadly habit. In the 20th century, about 100 million people died due to tobacco use. This is because nicotine in tobacco is a dangerous ingredient. Scientists aver that smokers reduce their longevity by about 14 years.
Statistics of Smoking
The details of men and women smokers around the world are given below:
- The U.S.: 23% of men compared with 18% of women
- Europe: 46% of men compared with 26% of women
- Western Pacific: 60% of men compared with 8% of women
- Southeast Asia: 44% of men compared with 4% of women
- Africa: 29% of men compared with 4% of women
Hazards of Nicotine and ‘Lite’ Cigarettes
Nicotine enters the brain a few seconds after smoke inhalation. In smokers, nicotine pervades all parts of the body and is found even in breast milk. ‘Lite’ and menthol cigarettes are no less dangerous. Smokers draw more deeply while using these cigarettes. As a result, the amounts of nicotine and tar consumed equal those of regular cigarettes.
Quit Smoking for Long-term Benefits
Some smoking quitters are discouraged by initial side effects such as mood swings, anger, vomiting, nausea, coughing, headache etc. But, have fortitude and weather these temporary setbacks, thinking about the long-term benefits of a smoke-free life.
