Effects of Smoking

Tobacco contains over 4,000 chemicals most of which are harmful to the body. Smoking is the risk of four different types of cancer and several other illnesses. Smoking affects the lungs, heart, circulatory system, brain, and several other organs. Cigarettes and cigars can--and does--harm you physically, mentally and socially and even others around you. First of all the main problem with smoking is how it harms you physically. Smoking physically harms the main organs and organ systems of your body. The most important organ of all affected is the brain, the more you smoke the more likely you are to have a stroke or a tumor may form in your brain from the chemicals in the tobacco. According to studies performed by the North East Valley Division General Practice, your heart is at great risk as well heart disease and coronary occlusion (heart attack) are 25 percent more likely to occur in smoking males. You may be diagnosed with emphysema and asthma because smoking affects your lungs more than any other organ. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers. Also a 20 a day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 grams) of tar a year (Quit-Smoking-Stop.com , 2001-2005). The circulatory system is also greatly affected- vessel damage, gangrene, narrowing of the arteries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and peripheral vascular disease in hands and feet. Diabetes, stained skin and nails, stained teeth are all other affects of smoking. For female smokers ' menstrual problems, early menopause, higher risk of osteoporosis, fertility problems (poorer outcome), and miscarriage, pregnant outside the uterus, retard growth and malformations. On top of everything mentioned, all are susceptible to cancer as well as the stomach, anus, pancreas, lip, mouth, throat, bladder, and kidney. For women the cervix, uterus, and vuluar are all vulnerable as well. Smoking also affects smokers mentally and socially. First cigarettes and

References: Good Housekeeping. Family Health and Medical Guide (1980). Smoking. Hearst Books: New York, New York Page 507. Health Canada 's Tobacco Control Programme. You and Me Smoke Free! Report retrieved from their Web site, < http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/tobacco/youth/index.html >, 5 June 2005. North East Valley Division General Practice. Effects of Smoking. Report retrieved from their Web site, < http://www.nevdgp.org.au/smoker/effects.htm >, on 1 May 2005. NSW Health. Tobacco Facts. Report retrieved from their Web site, < http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/health-promotion/tobacco/facts/index.html >, 1 May 2005. Quit-Smoking-Stop. Harmful Effects of Smoking. Report retrieved from their Web site, , 1 May 2005