For the past few decades, public health organizations have worked hard to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes. Still, despite their efforts, millions of people continue to smoke. Before you reach for your next cigarette, or pick one up for the first time, there are certain facts about the contents and consequences of cigarettes that you should know.
Ingredients
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarettes can contain over 4,000 different chemicals, 250 of which are poisonous. The main ingredient in cigarettes is a substance called nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance that makes it difficult to stop smoking once you start. Other hazardous chemicals found in cigarettes include formaldehyde, tar, benzene, insecticides, acetone and ammonia.
Health Impact
When you smoke a cigarette, you are flooding your body with poisonous substances that can have a devastating impact on your health. According to the CDC, long-term smoking increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, emphysema, cancer, osteoporosis, pneumonia, bronchitis and fertility problems. You may begin to experience a lack of energy, an increased heart rate, breathing difficulties and poor circulation. Smoking also affects your physical appearance. It can cause you to develop unwanted bad breath, acne, wrinkles and yellowed teeth.
Secondhand Smoke
If you think being a nonsmoker means that you are completely safe from the ill effects of cigarette smoke, think again. Regular exposure to secondhand smoke can do just as much damage as smoking. Because nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke are inhaling the same carcinogenic chemicals as those who smoke, they are also at risk for developing respiratory problems, cancer and cardiovascular disease. According to the CDC, around 126 million people in the United States are subject to the dangers of secondhand smoke. You can encounter secondhand smoke from relatives at home, from coworkers on the job or from strangers in public places.
Trying to Quit
Because of nicotine's highly addictive nature, many smokers ultimately discover that it is much more difficult to stop smoking than it is to start. According to the CDC, smokers trying to quit can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms like weight gain, an increase in appetite and irritability. Despite the challenges involved, it is still possible to quit. If you want to stop smoking, there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that can help you break the habit. Popular products include nicotine gum, nicotine patches and non-nicotine medications like Zyban and Chantix. Your doctor can help you select the method that's right for you.
Results of Quitting
Once you stop smoking and after the initial withdrawal symptoms have subsided, your overall health will steadily improve. According to the CDC, smoking cessation can dramatically decrease your chances of developing the potentially deadly diseases associated with smoking including cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems and infertility. While it may be challenging at first, in the long run, staying smoke-free will allow you to live a longer, healthier life.
