Cigarettes are made up of toxic chemicals that can kill you if the dose is high enough, according to Teens Health. Smoking can cause serious health problems and it is very dangerous for teenagers. The effects of smoking on teens can range from bad smells to serious illness to long-term addiction.
Bad Skin and Smells
Cigarette smoke can linger on and in the hair, clothes and cars of smokers for some time and, according to Teens Health, it is often hard to get out. Worse though, cigarettes cause halitosis, according to Teens Health. Halitosis is persistent bad breath that is nearly impossible to get rid of, and some of the chemicals in cigarettes cause halitosis. Chemicals in cigarettes are also known to restrict blood vessels. Teens Health notes that this often leads to pale, unhealthy skin and can lead to psoriasis.
Increase Serious Health Risks
Studies have shown that teen smokers have a higher chance to get colds, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia, according to Teens Health. Teens with health prior conditions such as asthma will see significantly more problems if they smoke. The World Health Organization notes that young adult smokers have a heart rate that is two to three beats faster per minute than non-smokers. Early signs of heart disease and stroke have also been linked to young smokers, according to the World Health Organization. The risk of lung cancer also rises and continues to rise as long as a teen smokes.
Decreased Athletic and Fitness Performance
Smoking can severely limit athletic performance and fitness levels. The World Health Organization says that teenage smokers suffer shortness of breath three times as often as non-smoking teens. In addition, the WHO notes that teen smokers produce phlegm twice as often as non-smoking teens. These conditions are directly related to smoking's effects on the lungs. Teens Health adds that smoking can also cause rapid heartbeat and decreased circulation that can impair performance. Smoking can also delay the healing of injuries and increase injury risk. This is due to the chemicals in cigarettes blocking and slowing down collagen production.
Psychological and Addiction Problems
According to the World Health Organization, teenage smokers are more likely to have seen a doctor or health professional for an emotional or psychological issue. Teenage smokers are also more likely to engage in other addictive behaviors. The World Health Organization notes that teen smokers are three times more likely to use alcohol, eight times more likely to use marijuana and 22 times more likely to use cocaine. Smoking has also been tied to unprotected sex and fighting in schools.
