Most people smoke to relieve tensions and stresses and strains of life. Some, of course smoke moderately, whereas others smoke heavily. People prefer cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Both men and women smoke. Teenagers also have taken to smoking at an early age. Passive smokers suffer a lot on account of the smoke. Even babies at home are at risk.

Smoking leads to many health problems and some can even be fatal. Several anti-smoking campaigns have been organized to control smoking all over the world. In fact, smoking has been banned in public in some countries.

What are the hazards of smoking that are of much concern to social activists and medical practitioners? Why is smoking banned? Naturally, it would be advisable for smokers to know about the hazards that they are exposed to while smoking. Also, they should realize that others are also exposed to these hazards, although they are not smoking.

Hazards of Smoking

1. It can cause lung cancer and other forms of cancer such as throat cancer, cancer of the mouth, of the kidneys, stomach and bladder.
2. Smokers can suffer from cardiovascular diseases. They can suffer from heart attacks and strokes and coronary heart disease.
3. One can get addicted to nicotine, which is bad for health.
4. Smoking causes increase in heart rate because of nicotine.
5. Nicotine increases blood pressure.
6. Makes breathing difficult as lungs get constricted.
7. Small blood vessels get constricted making the hands and feet cold as the skin temperature comes down.
8. It decreases the senses, particularly that of taste and smell.
9. Disturbs the heart rhythm while exercising or performing any other physical activity.
10. Smoking also contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or shortness of breath.
11. It can result in chronic cough.
12. Can make sleep disorders worse.
13. One can lose one’s baby during pregnancy.
14. It is harmful if you have high cholesterol.
15. Baby may have low weight at birth.
16. Passive smoker that is those who do not smoke are also at a risk of developing the diseases caused by smoking.
17. Babies are exposed to smoking at the infant stage itself.
18. Teenagers also develop the habit early and are at risk of developing diseases at an early age. They become vulnerable to smoking related diseases in adulthood.
19. Smoking is harmful for diabetics.
20. It can cause ulcers.

Smoking is an addiction that cannot be got rid of so easily. It requires a lot of will-power and determination to get over the habit. Teenagers pick up the habit from their parents, who may be habitual smokers. Definitely, smoking causes much harm to the body systems. Much effort is on by respective governments to ensure that people give up the habit and passive smokers are also protected from the side-effects of the smoke.

Related posts from Past:

1. Top 20 Negative Effect of Smoking on Health
2. Smoking and its Effect on the Heart
3. Top 10 Reasons to Avoid Smoking while Breastfeeding
4. Top 10 Reasons why one must Stay Away from other Smokers
5. What is Smoking?