According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of every five deaths in the United States each year is caused by complications from smoking. Smoking can contribute to cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, cancer, infertility, premature delivery and sudden infant death syndrome. The chemicals in tobacco and additives cigarette companies use cause many health problems, notes the American Cancer Society.
Causes
Tobacco and tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, more than 60 of which are carcinogens, chemicals known to cause cancer, explains the American Cancer Society. When you inhale tobacco smoke, these carcinogens enter your bloodstream and can attack almost any organ in your body. Tobacco companies often add other preservatives and chemicals that may be harmful as well, such as ammonia. A 2010 federal law mandated that tobacco companies submit lists of ingredients to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and a list of these ingredients will be made public by or before June 2013.
Considerations
Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke linger in secondhand smoke, posing a danger to people around smokers. Pregnant mothers pass harmful chemicals and toxins to their unborn babies if they continue to smoke during their pregnancies. According to BabyCenter, a pregnant mother who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day will reduce her baby's birth weight by 1/2 lb. on average. People who start smoking during their teenage years have a higher risk of lung cancer and are more likely to require treatment for emotional and psychological issues, explains the World Health Organization.
Significance
Nearly 46 million adults were regular smokers as of a 2008 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This equates to just over 20 percent of the population in the United States. Nearly half of the smokers who do not quit will die of a smoking-related illness, and smoking is responsible for at least 30 percent of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most widespread health concerns in the United States.
Potential
Nicotine is an extremely addictive drug, and it is found in all tobacco products. The addiction is both physical and psychological, explains the American Cancer Society, making it extremely difficult for smokers to quit. The American Cancer Society reports that 40 percent of smokers try to quit each year, but only 4 to 7 percent manage to quit successfully without help.
Prevention
You can help reduce your risk of smoking-related diseases and health conditions if you quit, even if you have smoked for a long time or already have smoking-related complications, explains the American Cancer Society. Quitting before age 50 can reduce your risk of dying in the next 15 years in half. Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking for help and support. Your doctor may suggest nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications to increase your chances of being able to quit successfully.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking
- World Health Organization: Health Effects of Smoking Among Young People
- BabyCenter: How Smoking During Pregnancy Affects You and Your Baby
- American Cancer Society: Cigarette Smoking
- American Cancer Society: What Is In Tobacco Smoke?
