The Hazards of Smoking on Health
“Having a cigarette after a meal is better than living like an immortal,” has become a common saying among smokers. In the movie *In the Mood for Love*, starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, there’s also a line that goes, “You have to smoke different cigarettes to meet different people, understand different lives.”
However, do you truly understand the risks of smoking? Are you aware of the harm it causes to your body? Since tobacco emerged, it has swept the world. From children to the elderly, many have developed the habit of smoking. Yet, smoking poses significant dangers, which many choose to ignore. Even grandparents in their eighties and young children as young as seven or eight know the phrase, “Smoking is harmful to health. Smoke less for the sake of yourself and your family.” However, saying it is easier than doing it, especially when it comes to resisting the temptation of smoking.
Smoking not only harms the smoker but also has serious consequences for those exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke refers to involuntarily inhaling smoke from nearby smokers. In reality, the harm inflicted on those exposed to secondhand smoke is far greater than that experienced by the smokers themselves.
Every organism with signs of life needs to breathe, exhaling carbon dioxide and inhaling oxygen from the air to maintain normal life activities. Non-smokers breathe in large amounts of fresh air every day. In contrast, frequent smokers do not enjoy the benefits of nature; they inhale toxic gases polluted by smoke.
Nicotine, also known as tobacco alkaloid, is found in tobacco leaves. Just 1 gram of nicotine can kill 300 rabbits or 500 mice. Injecting 50 milligrams of nicotine can be fatal to humans. Smoking poses the greatest harm to the respiratory system, easily causing conditions such as laryngitis, bronchitis, and emphysema. As smoke enters through the mouth, it passes through the throat, trachea, bronchi, and into the bloodstream.
In China, smoking is a common phenomenon, with nearly 7 out of 10 people being smokers. Furthermore, smokers are becoming younger and younger; many middle school students as young as fifteen or sixteen have taken up smoking, which is deeply concerning.
How Smoking Harms the Body
1. Cardiovascular System
Smoking indirectly damages the heart by causing conditions like arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, which increase the heart’s workload and affect myocardial blood supply. It directly damages the heart muscle through inflammatory reactions and toxic metabolic products.
2. Cancer Risk
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies smoking as a Group 1 carcinogen. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing various cancers, including lung cancer, throat cancer, and oral cancer.
3. Respiratory System
Smoking damages the respiratory system by impairing the function of cilia in the bronchial epithelial cells, reducing local resistance to infection. It also causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, leading to difficulties in breathing.
4. Other Health Risks
Smoking has detrimental effects on other parts of the body, such as the brain, where it can lead to reduced oxygen circulation and increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
Conclusion
Smoking is not just a personal choice; it affects the health of everyone around smokers. Quitting smoking is challenging but essential for a healthier life. By understanding the comprehensive risks associated with smoking, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard their own health and that of their loved ones.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Reza Mehrad on Unsplash
Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash
* Important: The information provided here is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.