Smokers made up 20.6 percent of the population as of 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This breaks down to about 46 million people who expose themselves to the dangers of cigarette smoking. They make themselves more vulnerable to a wide variety of illnesses and even shorten their expected life spans, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Cardiovascular Disease
Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. The ACS explains that smokers are far more likely to have heart attacks because cigarettes promote the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries. They are also more prone to strokes.
Respiratory Problems
Smoking aggravates respiratory problems like asthma, and TeensHealth states that smokers are more prone to get bronchitis and pneumonia. Smoking affects lung function and suppresses the immune system. The ACS warns that smokers have a higher risk of getting chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.
Cancer
Ninety percent of lung cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking, according to the ACS. It increases the risk of developing a number of other cancers, such as lung, larynx, pharynx, mouth, esophagus, stomach, cervix, pancreas, bladder and kidney cancer. The ACS states that smoking is linked to 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States.
Reproductive Problems
The ACS warns that cigarette smoking can affect reproduction in both males and females. Women who smoke run a higher risk of infertility problems and are more likely to have miscarriages, give birth to premature babies or to have stillbirths. Infants born to smokers often have reduced lung function and narrow airways, according to the American Lung Association. Male smokers are more like to have erectile dysfunction.
Dental Problems
The American Academy of Periodontology states that smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, which can eventually lead to bone loss and cause teeth to fall out. Smokers get thick plaque that cannot be removed with regular brushing. They also develop deep pockets between their teeth and gums where bacteria can collect. If they do not get professional treatment, they lose tissue and bone. Eventually their teeth are no longer properly supported.
Death
Smoking shortens a person's life span significantly. The CDC studied data collected between 1995 and 1999 and estimated that adult male smokers cut 13.2 years from their life spans. Female smokers died 14.5 years earlier than their nonsmoking counterparts. Cigarettes kill more people each year than alcohol, car crashes, AIDS, suicide, murder and illegal drugs combined, according to the ACS.
Fire
Smoking heightens fire risk because carelessly handled cigarettes are a major cause of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association explains that 1 in 4 fire deaths in 2007 was smoking related, with 720 people dying as a result and 1,580 receiving injuries.
