How bad is cigarette smoke?
On One Hand: Cigarette Smoke Wreaks Widespread DamageCigarette smoke contains mutagenic chemicals the blood absorbs and distributes throughout the body, increasing the incidence of leukemia as well as cancers of the lung, bladder, pancreas, liver, kidney, larynx, oral cavity and esophagus; heart disease; stroke; cirrhosis; aortic aneurysms; and pneumonia, notes the book “Understanding Pathophysiology, Second Edition,” by Sue Huether and Kathryn McCance.On the Other: Effects Not So Bad for SomeCigarette smoke may endanger you less if you lack a genetic predisposition to developing lung cancer or have no obstructive lung disease, according to Huether and McCance. Moreover, the harm smoking does to your lungs will tend to diminish with time if you cease smoking, note the authors.Bottom LineMore injurious than pipe or cigar smoke, cigarette smoke carries a plethora of health risks. These include premature death and disease in children and adults exposed to secondhand smoke, notes the U.S.
