The effects of smoking in the body have long been discussed worldwide. Health organizations are working hand in hand in promoting a smoke-free environment, emphasizing on the health effects of tobacco in the body. The World Health Organization has been distributing posters regarding the 'Smoker's Body' which shows a grim photo of what actually happens to the body of someone who smokes.
The Tobacco Free Initiative is a program of the World Health Organization that battles the growing number of people who smoke cigarettes and tobacco. They report that more than 600,000 people die from the health effects of second hand smoke. Furthermore, every 6.5 seconds someone dies from tobacco use.
There are thousands of chemicals that can be found in a single cigarette stick. According to Better Health, the most dangerous and damaging chemicals found in cigarette are tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, oxidizing chemicals, metals and radioactive compounds. Tar contains severe carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals that may harm the body. It also has the ability to stain the teeth and fingernails. Carbon Monoxide, on the other hand, is a very fatal chemical that can take up the place of oxygen in the blood.
Subsequently, Hydrogen cyanide harms the tiny hair-like structure in the lungs that trap foreign particles from entering the lungs and it hinders the normal lung clearance system. Oxidizing chemicals or free radicals are responsible in destroying the vessel linings in the body that can cause heart disease, hypertension and even cancer. Aside from these, cigarette contains reactive chemicals and metals that contain dangerous compounds that can cause a wide array of health problems.
The poster disseminated by the WHO's program entails a summarized explanation of the possible health effects of smoking to the body. Smoking can cause skin disorders such as Psoriasis. They found out that smokers are more likely to develop Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease characterized by oozing, itchy and reddish patches all over the body.
Smoking may also lead to cataract formation. It is believed to cause or even worsen several eye problems including cataract, which is described as a clouding of the eyes that may lead to blindness. There is a 40% higher rate of cataracts in smokers.
Also, smoking prematurely ages the skin that can cause wrinkling. Since cigarette contains oxidizing agents and free radicals, they cause premature signs of aging because they limit blood flow, and reduce the effects of collagen and Vitamin A that gives the skin its youthful glow.
Believe it or not, smoking can also lead to hearing loss. Due to impeding the blood flow to the inner ear because of blood vessel problems, smokers may lose their hearing ability earlier than those who do not smoke.
Of course, many studies have linked smoking to various cancers. In fact, more than 40 chemicals found in cigarette can cause cancer. According to the poster by WHO, smokers are at 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer.
The oral cavity can also be affected by smoking. Tooth decay happens as a result of smoking as it interferes with the mouth's chemistry leading to discoloration of the teeth. Furthermore, smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases specifically emphysema, which is characterized by swelling and rupturing of the air sacs in the lungs that alters the normal flow of oxygen.
Smoking leads to osteoporosis and other bone problems. This is due to the carbon monoxide content of cigarettes binding to the red blood cells in the blood instead oxygen. Hence, blood supply is impeded in the bones causing bone density to decrease.
Cigarette smoking can lead to various heart problems. As stated earlier, the free radicals in cigarette smoke oxidize and damage cells forming plaques that stick to the blood vessel walls hence clogging the blood flow. This can lead to hypertension and heart problems.
The stomach is also affected by smoking because it can lead to stomach ulcers. Smoking reduces the body's resistance to the bacteria that can cause ulcers. Also, it can cause discoloration of the nails due to the tar content of cigarette.
For women, cigarette smoking may lead to cervical cancer and miscarriages. Aside from that, it has increased risk for still birth, low birth weight and even fertility problems. On the other hand, it can lead to deformed sperm for men hence making it hard for them to fertilize egg cells. Also, it can lead to several congenital defects for their offspring.
Lastly, it can lead to Buerger's disease wherein there is marked inflammation in the blood vessels in the lower extremities causing impeded blood flow. If left untreated, it may lead to necrosis or cell death in the feet.
Smoking poses various health threats and problems that can be fatal. Letting the chemicals of cigarette smoke take a toll on your body may lead to permanent problems. It is recommended to stop smoking because it is one modifiable risk factor that can lead to illnesses that may lead to mortality.