There is no doubt about the dangers of smoking for body health. Various dangerous diseases can be caused by this bad habit. Not only active smokers, cigarettes are also dangerous for anyone who inhales the smoke or is a passive smoker.
Every cigarette you smoke can increase your risk of developing various diseases, such as fertility problems, heart disease, stroke and lung problems, for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
In Indonesia, it is estimated that more than 230,000 people die due to smoking habits every year.
Types of Dangerous Ingredients in Cigarettes
The dangers of smoking arise from the ingredients contained in a cigarette. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes and around 70 of them can cause cancer.
The following are dangerous chemicals in cigarettes:
Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant substance that can improve mood and increase concentration. However, this substance can cause addictive effects, making it difficult for smokers to stop the habit.
Apart from that, people who are addicted to nicotine are also at risk of experiencing nicotine side effects, such as increased heart rate, reduced appetite, shortness of breath, nausea and stomach cramps.
If someone suddenly stops smoking, their body will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This can cause feelings of anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, restlessness, and increased appetite.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is often found in car exhaust fumes. This substance can block the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body, forcing the heart to work harder, and disrupting the functioning of the lungs.
Tar
When smoking, the tar content in the cigarette will be inhaled. This substance can narrow the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles) which are responsible for absorbing oxygen.
Apart from that, tar can also damage fine hairs or cilia which function to remove viruses, germs, dust and foreign objects from the respiratory tract. This can cause various lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.
Benzene
Benzene can be found in fuel oil (gasoline). Exposure to benzene in cigarettes can increase the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders.
Apart from the ingredients above, there are still many toxic chemicals in a cigarette, such as arsenic which is used in pesticides, formaldehyde which is usually used to preserve corpses, lead which is used in batteries, and methanol which is the main component in rocket fuel.
Dangers of Smoking for Health
The chemical content in cigarettes is very dangerous for your health and the health of those around you. Some of the dangers of smoking for health are:
1. Heart attack
People who frequently smoke, whether they smoke actively or simply inhale cigarette smoke from those around them, are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
This risk can increase in smokers who rarely exercise, do not monitor their diet and experience stress.
2. Brain aneurysm
Smoking can disrupt blood vessel health and brain function, both in children, adolescents and adults. Apart from that, smoking can also increase the risk of various brain diseases, such as stroke and brain aneurysm.
4. Lung cancer
One of the most dangerous effects of smoking is lung cancer. The chemicals in cigarettes have the potential to damage lung cells which can then turn into cancer cells.
Apart from that, smoking can also cause various lung diseases, such as bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.
5. Stomach acid
Smoking can weaken the muscle that functions as a valve separating the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus. This condition will then increase the risk of stomach acid rising back into the esophagus, or known as stomach acid disease or GERD.
Several other risks of stomach disease that can occur in a smoker are stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
6. Porous or brittle bones
The toxins in cigarettes can make bones more fragile. Therefore, smokers are more susceptible to brittle bones or osteoporosis. Research also shows that women who smoke are more susceptible to osteoporosis than women who do not smoke.
7. Premature aging
Signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, are at risk of appearing earlier in active smokers. This is because smoking can narrow blood vessels so that oxygen intake to the skin is reduced. As a result, people who smoke will look older than people who don’t smoke.
8. Fertility problems
Smoking can interfere with the reproductive system and fertility. In men, smoking can cause erection problems and reduce sperm production.
Meanwhile in women, smoking can reduce fertility levels. In addition, the risk of developing cervical cancer is higher because smoking reduces the body’s natural ability to fight HPV infection.
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