Facts on Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke contributes to heart disease, hastens hardening of the arteries and narrows carotid arteries that carry blood to the brain. Ninety percent of lung cancer deaths are attributed to cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking can cause other cancers as well, including oral cancer, larynx, esophageal, bladder, stomach, cervical, kidney and pancreatic cancers.
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke may not kill as many people as smoking does, but it still claims thousands of lives a year, and is responsible for roughly 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in nonsmokers. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to be sick with ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia or other lung infections. Each year, over 17,000 children are admitted to a hospital because of secondhand smoke illnesses.
Results
Smoking during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, premature birth, greater risk of sudden death syndrome, an increase of miscarriage and stillbirth, learning difficulties and slow growth.
Warning
Cigarette smoke is a toxic mixture of chemical components that are poisonous or carcinogenic. Carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, pesticides and other chemicals are in every puff.
Types
Whether it be a cigar, a menthol cigarette, a light or ultralight cigarette, all cigarettes contain tobacco, the cancer-causing agent, and have the same health risks.
Prevention/Solution
Various products available in today's market can help you break the smoking habit. The nicotine patch keeps a steady level of nicotine in the system. Chantix, a pill that does not contain nicotine and is started 1 week prior to quitting, targets nicotine receptors in the brain. There are also nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers. Your doctor can help you decide the best plan for you.
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