For the entire 20th century, it is estimated that around 100 million people died prematurely due to smoking. Despite the fact of such a large number, the number of people keeps on increasing year after year. Moreover, according to the research made by CDC, it has been proven that smoking related diseases kills more people per year than HIV, alcohol, firearm related incidents and even motor vehicle injuries all combined.
Most smokers are unaware of the fact that a single cigarette is known to contain more than 7000 chemicals. Of which the basic components include chemical additives such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, arsenic, hydrogen cyanide and even benzene. All these are carcinogenic.
Let’s evaluate some of the dangerous hazards related to smoking that leads to shortens of man’s life
- Smoking can cause cancer. This is caused mainly by some of the carcinogens in smoke such as nicotine that induces cell mutation especially to those cells lining the lungs. The cell mutations may cause them to divide abnormally which may later result to cancer. The abnormalities resulting from cancer such as organ failure are the one responsible for premature death to smokers
- Smoking causes diabetes. Chemicals from smoke are responsible for interfering with sugar metabolism. This has an overall effect of increasing insulin resistance hence reducing its capacity to reduce blood sugar.
- Hip fractures. The chemical additives within the smoke are known to reduce bone density by interfering with calcium reactions in the bone matrix. This results in weaker bones compared to normal bones hence resulting in excess fatigue
- Smoking causes blood diseases. A longer exposure to smoking may results in blocking of heart muscles. This tends to put much pressure on heart pumping mechanism and as a result it may lead to myocardial infarction, without enough oxygen rich blood supply, the heart muscles start to die.
- Smoking may result in respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Chemicals from tobacco smoke coats themselves on the tiny sacs of the lungs known as alveoli. This tends to increase shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, sleep, weight loss, and depression. This has an overall result of causing unexpected death.
Final thought
Smoking is not healthy at all and is a severe problem because it is difficult to stop even though you are aware of the health risks. Despite this, you should make every effort to stop smoking. Consider your motivation for quitting. List the explanations. Ask family, friends, and coworkers for assistance and encouragement while also giving it a go on your own.
You can also read the article on Offset damage of smoking and heavy alcohol intake
