We all know smoking can damage our lungs. But do you know why? Finding out the facts can help to motivate you, your friends and your family to try and stop smoking.
Why are cigarettes harmful?
- Cancers
- Lung disease
- Heart and circulation disorders
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Erectile dysfunction, infertility
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts and eye disorders
- Mouth and dental infections
- Complications in pregnancy and labor
Cigarettes and other types of tobacco products contain nicotine which is, very addictive. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including more than 70 cancer-causing chemicals and hundreds of other poisons.
It is mostly the harmful chemicals that cause illness and death, and not the nicotine. It is the nicotine, however, which creates an addiction or “craving”.
Smoking also affects the reproductive system and sex organs. Men can have difficulty getting an erection and it can reduce sperm count. Women who smoke are at a greater risk of developing breast and cervical cancer, and may have difficulties getting pregnant. Smoking while pregnant puts you at risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and even stillbirth.
Why should I give up smoking?
Smoking tobacco is the biggest avoidable cause of death. It is never too late to stop smoking, no matter how long you have smoked.
In order to stop the irreversible damage caused by smoking, or slow the progression of a smoking-related disease, you need to stop smoking now.
Evidence has shown that people who stop smoking can reduce their risk of developing smoking-related diseases. And if you already have a condition caused by smoking, such as COPD, giving up is the most effective treatment to slow down the rate at which your lunch get worse