Cigarettes are a primary cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. Their smoke contains a harmful mix of over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 69 known to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Nicotine, the highly addictive drug in tobacco, makes quitting difficult, ensuring prolonged exposure to these toxins.
The negative health impacts are extensive. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is a major risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, and several other organs. It severely damages the cardiovascular system, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease by narrowing blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.
Furthermore, smoking harms nearly every organ in the body. It causes chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, making breathing increasingly difficult. It also impairs immune function, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, negatively affects reproductive health, and can lead to vision loss and dental problems.
The harm extends beyond the smoker. Secondhand smoke exposure poses serious health risks to non-smokers, particularly children, increasing their risk of respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In summary, the chemical composition of cigarettes and their addictive nature lead to a wide array of devastating illnesses, significantly reduce quality of life, shorten lifespan, and harm those nearby, making them a profoundly dangerous public health hazard. Resources for quitting can be found via the CDC's I'm Ready to Quit! page or by calling the right authority