Dangers of Tobacco Smoking

There are more than 1.2 billion smokers in the world.  One in five deaths in America are due to smoking and its related medical complications.  

The effect of cigarette smoking can be lethal, in terms of medical conditions, environmental impact, social standing and economic conditions.  

The health effects of cigarette smoking are significant.  The leading cause of lung cancer, as well as a variety of lung and respiratory conditions; cigarette smoking also contributes to the development of heart disease.  Cigarettes contain hundreds of known carcinogens and the smoke from tobacco cigarettes contains more than 4000 toxins with medical hazards.  

Cigarettes are responsible for increasing the potential risk for heart disease, including the narrowing of the arteries.  Smoking increases heart rate, increases blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke.  It is responsible for the increased risk of many types of cancer including mouth, esophageal, kidney, bladder and stomach cancer.  Fires caused from unattended cigarettes are also responsible for hundreds of deaths each year.  

Second hand smoke is responsible for more than 600,000 deaths every year.  The dangers for non-smokers exposed to chronic second hand smoke can create the same type of health conditions as in the smoker including the increased risk for cancers.  

For unborn children of women who smoke there is an increased risk for low birth weight and for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  Children exposed to second hand smoke are more vulnerable for respiratory conditions, and the development of serious medical complications.  

While many smokers report increased concentration and alertness, and feelings of euphoria, this is an effect of the addictive properties of nicotine.  Nicotine crosses the blood brain barrier within 20 seconds of inhaling or being absorbed by the skin.  The nicotine mimics the neurotransmitter activity of the brain, creating an addictive cycle that is as powerful as cocaine or heroin.  

There are other ramifications to smoking as well including the social stigma now associated with smoking.  There are few public places where smoking is allowed.  

There are environmental conditions and concerns with smoking as well.  The impact for countries like China where more than 350 million smokers exist can be epic in terms of health concerns and air quality.  The filters from littered cigarette butts put carcinogenic fibers into the ground and water table.  The chemicals used in the production of 1.5-trillion cigarette units worldwide also enter the water and ground in alarming rates.  The drying of tobacco accounts for the destruction of more than 600,000 trees a year.  

The economic impact of cigarettes can be harmful as well.  The high cost of cigarettes and the related medical conditions increase insurance premiums, and reduce discretionary spending for the smoker.  There are some studies that show a link between the social stigma against smoking and economic impact for the smoker.  

There are a great many risks, hazards and negative implications for smoking.  In every sense of the word, smoking is expensive.  It is costly in terms of lives lost, loss of productivity, loss of health and quality of life, environmental impact and economic ramifications. We believe that the best action moving forward for any traditional smoker is to consider trying an e cigarette starter kit in an effort to, at a minimum, reduce the consumption of chemicals via the lungs.