BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Air filled with cigarette smoke is dangerous to anyone who breathes it, smokers or not. This smoke contains about 7360 dangerous chemicals.
70 of these chemicals have been confirmed to be carcinogenic and many others are suspected carcinogens. Every organ in the human system can be affected by this smoke.
SOME SELECTED COMPUNDS IN CIGARETTE SMOKE AND THEIR EFFECT.
NICOTINE :
it's absorbed directly into the blood stream and stimulates the production of many neurotransmitters. Nicotine impersonates Acetylcholine and attach to sites meant for acetylcholine hence leading to the production of dopamine. This leads to addiction of smoking. Excess nicotine can can lead to vomiting, seizures, depression of central nervous system and growth retardation.
CARBON MONOXIDE :
this is a poisonous gas, it has no smell or taste. The body finds it hard to differentiate between carbon monoxide and oxygen, hence absorbs CO into the blood stream. Excess CO can lead to coma, even death.
TAR:
Tar contains about several cancer causing substances. When a cigarette smoke is inhaled 70% of the inhaled tar remains in the lungs which forms a yellowish or tacky brown residue. This adversely affects the cilia lining in the trachea. Cilia is suppose to help trap pollutant. Cigarette tar contribute to gum disease, oral cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
1,3 BUTADIENE:
it's a simple hydrocarbon molecule which contains two double bonds. 1,3 butadiene has the highest cancer risk. It is suspected to be teratogenic.
Other compounds includes :
Benzene, N-nitrosamine,
benzene, aceltaldehyde,
ammonia, cadmium,
lead, isoprene
Toluene, styrene etc..
EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKE ON PREGNANCY
Tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smoker. Women should smoke before, during and after pregnancy mostly in developing countries where breastfeeding is important for childs overall nutritional requirements.
-Smoking makes it harder for women to get pregnant.
- women that smokes are likely to have miscarriages as compared to those who don't.
- it causes problems with placenta which is the source of the baby's food and oxygen during pregnancy.
Cigarette smoke also affect humans systems like ;
1, Cardiovascular system
2, Central Nervous System
3, Immune system
4, Lungs
5, Integunentary system ( skin, hair, nails )
6, Digestive system
7, Sexuality and reproductive system.
The truth is whether you are the one smoking the cigarette or you are just inhaling the smoke from others, all the above affects you too.
Please take note and help yourself.
