That Smoking is one of the most addictive and dangerous habit a person can acquire is common knowledge. In hospitals as well as in schools, we have all seen images of damaged lungs and distorted mouths. And yet there are a large number of people who smoke. This is because smoking is labeled “cool” and many youngsters as well as older people want to acquire that tag. The depiction of smoking as an extension or an integral part a powerful persona is commonly depicted in films and advertisements. All these social conditions often lead people to smoke.

However smoking a cigarette means inhaling about 4000 chemicals, most of them being toxic in nature. Nicotine, carbon monoxide, carcinogens are a few that can be readily named while toxic metals like arsenic and cadmium are lesser known. Cigarettes also contain pesticides like Flumetulin, trifularin as well as endocrine disruptors.

Smoking leads to various chronic health problems. The American Red Cross estimates that every year 390000 Americans die of smoking. When compared to non- smokers Cigarette smokers are more prone to cardiac arrest, heart attack and lung disorders. This is not all; they are also more prone to lung and mouth cancer. Smoking is the cause of a majority of lung cancer deaths estimated at about 90% of the total deaths and also are a cause of 30% of deaths due to other types of cancer. Smoking also leads to other diseases like bronchitis and Emphysema. Some of the milder harmful effects include bad breadth, aging skin and a poor appetite. However what starts with milder effects invariably leads to more dangerous effects.

When women smoke, they expose themselves to a host of diseases and complications. In the U.S, the number of women smokers is estimated at about 23 million which is 23 percent of the female population .Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer and osteoporosis. It has a marked effect on the fertility of women. In the case of pregnant women who smoke, the unborn baby is at the risk of acquiring high levels of nicotine in the blood stream. This in turn leads to respiratory illnesses in the baby.

Smoking affects others who are around too. The effects of passive smoking are well documented. passive smokers are at a risk of acquiring carious respiratory illnesses as well as lung cancer. Children are at a risk of acquiring ear infections, chronic respiratory problems as asthma.

Considering all the above factors it would be a wise decision not to smoke and also to dissuade others from getting into this dangerous habit.

For further information related to “Quit Smoking” visit http://smoking.ygoy.com