Over time, smoking can affect almost every major organ in the body. Not only are smokers at a higher risk for cardiovascular issues and disease, smoking can also affect appearance. According to Center for Disease Control---smoking causes approximately 438,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including 43 that are carcinogenic.
Cancer
Cancer is a common side effect resulting from cigarette smoking and the smoke from the cigarettes. When someone smokes, tar and other carcinogens from the cigarette is inhaled into the lungs. This tar creates a sticky mass throughout the lungs making them work harder and eventually leading to a decrease in lung performance. Agents such as cyanide, formaldehyde, arsenic and DDT can lead to cancer cell development and eventually lung cancer---one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Because most lung cancer spreads rapidly and very early on, it often has metastasized beyond the point of a life saving treatment. One way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking and reduce the risk of second-hand smoke exposure.
Second-Hand Smoke
Second-hand smoke is a very troublesome issue that many people face on a daily basis. Second-hand smoke is caused when someone who doesn't smoke experiences the exhaled smoke from a smoker or the smoke from a burning cigarette. The smoke gets on the person's clothing and into her air passageways and lungs. Those with underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD and emphysema may experience worse symptoms when exposed to second-hand smoke.
Stains and Smells
The effects of cigarette smoke do not always include just harmful cancer causing compounds. The smoke itself can leave long lasting effects with the smoker and those around him. The smell of cigarette smoke can be very troubling and irritating to some people. It saturates itself on clothing and has a distinct smell that is recognizable. Cigarette smoke smell may also reside on walls and furniture where there is a high concentration of smoke without proper ventilation. The result is a dark, yellow or brown stain that is similar to that of a tar stain. It is very difficult to remove from paint and other surfaces---the only solution may be to paint over the stains or replace the fabric.
Pregnancy
The effects of cigarette smoke can have a severe negative impact on pregnancy. Mothers who smoke throughout the course of their pregnancy run an increased risk for several problems for their pregnancy and the development and health of their unborn baby. The mother could develop placental problems that directly affect the placenta resulting in detachment, tearing or the placenta covering the uterus. Any of these conditions could cause a miscarriage of the baby or death to the mother. Low birth weight, developmental delays and an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can also occur.
Cardiovascular Disease
One life threatening side effect of cigarette smoke is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Not only does smoking increase this risk, but smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop the disease than people who do not smoke. Smoking also narrows blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke.
