Cigarette smoke has been frowned upon for decades. Said to cause everything from lung cancer to heart disease, it really isn’t any wonder why people would tell others to quit smoking. But, why is cigarette smoke so bad? What ingredients cause cancer in the lungs and problems in the heart? Let’s take a closer look at why cigarette smoke is bad for you.
Lit Cigarette with some smoke around. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What Ingredients in Cigarette Smoke Cause Problems?
There are a number of ingredients in cigarettes that are bad for you. In fact, 60 of the 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke are said to be cancerous. What’s more scary is that all of these ingredients can kill you. What many people don’t realize is that cigarette smoke is made up of deadly ingredients including cyanide, ammonia, acetylene, and even formaldehyde. The tobacco leaves used to make tobacco products, such as cigarettes, also contain radiation. Is it any wonder that the smoke would cause so many diseases?
What Can These Dangerous Ingredients Do?
People usually understand that cigarette smoke can cause cancer, but there are a number of diseases that can result from smoking. First of all, smokers often see a reduction in lung activity. Smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Those that smoke also suffer from what is called smoker’s cough, which is the body’s natural response to clearing the toxins from the lungs. Cigarette smoke can also damage the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Those that smoke also have trouble tasting and smelling and may tire out more easily due to decreased lung function.
How Deadly Is Cigarette Smoke?
If you think you’re immune to the problems associated with smoking, think again. Each year almost half a million people die of tobacco use. The good news is the answer to saving your life lies in your own hands. Death from smoking is preventable. All you have to do is quit. If that sounds too hard, consider what you’re doing to your body. Chances are your body has already seen the affects of decreased lung function, smoker’s cough, and impaired smell and taste. Why not stop before smoking leads to more serious problems?
The truth is cigarette smoke is not only harmful, but deadly. Each time you take a drag, you’re taking 4,000 chemicals into your body. And, no, exhaling doesn’t save you at all. The longer you smoke, the closer you are to meeting your maker.
About the Author: Eldwood Menze tried to stop smoking for 7 years before he was finally able to quit for good. He hasn’t had a cigarette in 5 years now!