Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco smoke that causes smokers to continue smoking. Along with nicotine there are over 4000 other chemicals that activate and trigger profound and damaging effects on the human body.
Tar – this is the collective term for all the various particles suspended in tobacco smoke. The particles contain chemicals including several cancer-causing substances. Tar is sticky and brown and stains teeth, fingernails and lung tissue. Tar contains the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene that is known to trigger tumour development (cancer).
Carbon monoxide – this odourless gas is fatal in large doses because it takes the place of oxygen in the blood. Each red blood cell contains a protein called haemoglobin – oxygen molecules are transported around the body by binding to, or hanging onto, this protein. However, carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin better than oxygen. This means that less oxygen reaches the brain, heart, muscles and other organs.
Hydrogen cyanide – the lungs contain tiny hairs (cilia) that help to clean the lungs by moving foreign substances out. Hydrogen cyanide stops this lung clearance system from working properly, which means the poisonous chemicals in tobacco smoke can build up inside the lungs. Other chemicals in smoke that damage the lungs include hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, organic acids, phenols and oxidising agents.
Free radicals – these highly reactive chemicals can damage the heart muscles and blood vessels. They react with cholesterol, leading to the build-up of fatty material on artery walls. Their actions lead to heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease.
Metals – tobacco smoke contains dangerous metals including arsenic, cadmium and lead. Several of these metals are carcinogenic.
Radioactive compounds – tobacco smoke contains radioactive compounds, which are known to be carcinogenic. - http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov/
The chemicals in nicotine cause many effects on the bodies systems, these can include:
Respiratory system Irritation to trachea and larynx
Reduced lung function
Increased risk of lung infection
Permenant damage to lungs (air sacs)
Circulatory system Raised blood pressure and heart rate
Tightening of blood vessels
Less oxygen carried by blood
'Stickier' blood more prone to clotting
Damage to lining of arteries
Reduced blood flow to fingers and toes
Increased risk of stroke and heart attack due to blockages in blood flow
Immune system More prone to infections as system does not function as well
More prone to pneumonia and influenza
Body takes longer to recover from illness
Lower levels of antioxidants
Musculoskeletal system Tightening of certain muscles
Reduced bone density
Other effects Irritation and inflamtion of stomach and intestines
Increased risk of ulcers in digestive tract
Reduced ability to smell and taste
Premature wrinkling of skin
Higher risk of blindness
Gum disease (periodontis)
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ReplyDeleteSmoking causes an enormous burden on public health. It harms the immune system and can make the body less successful at fighting disease. It can also cause many other cancers and health problems.
ReplyDeleteTo quit smoking, you must be ready emotionally and mentally. The earlier you quit, the greater the benefit.
For any type of query, speak to an healthcare expert Dr. Won Sam Yi