Effects of Smoking

Smoking is a habit that is very common with men. Though women also smoke, percentage of men smoking is greater than that of women. Some men smoke for being in vogue while some are chain smokers.

It should be known at the very outset that there is nothing good about smoking. Smoking leads to deterioration only. Still, men are passionate about this. It has been seen that men take ample quantities of vegetables and fruits for staying healthy.

This habit is really good and beneficial. But when it is combined with smoking, all the advantages gained are ruined. Health of a person is badly damaged and takes long time to recover, provided a person quits smoking.There are over 4000 types of chemical substances contained in cigarettes and minimum number of toxic compounds is 400.

When cigarette is lit, its upper temperature is 700 degree Celsius while its core burns at 60 degree Celsius. At this temperature, many types of toxins are released by the tobacco, which are ultimately inhaled by the smoker. Tar is among the most dangerous substances contained in the cigarette.

It has been classified under ‘carcinogen’, as it causes cancer. Other toxic substance contained in the cigarette is nicotine. It is basically an addictive, for which cigarette is liked by men.

However, regular intake of nicotine increases the level of cholesterol in the body, which may prove fatal. Carbon monoxide is also released when a person smokes. It is considered as harmful as it reduces the availability of oxygen and affects active and passive smokers as well.

Actual damage caused by smoking depends upon many factors. First important factor is the number of cigarettes smoked in a day. If a person smokes one or two cigarettes, damage caused is low as compared to the damage caused to the chain smoker.

Constitution of cigarette also determines the level of damage caused. For example, if a person uses cigarette with good quality filters, damage caused is low. Cigarettes without filters are considered as most dangerous. Quality of tobacco used in the cigarette also determines the level of damage.

A person can get the damage done reduced but cannot reduce it altogether.In a study, it has been found that if a person smokes regularly, his life expectancy is reduced by 7-8 years.

With increased numbers of cigarettes smoked per day, life expectancy is reduced further. However, if a person quits smoking, he is giving his body a chance to revive and as a result, life expectancy is increased.