~At least view the pictures at the bottom if you are not going to read the article~

Tobacco smoking is the major health problem affecting the respiratory system (the nose, throat, voice box, trachea, bronchi and lung). The effects of smoking, however, are not limited to the respiratory system. Nicotine tars and other harmful substances in the smoke affect the entire body.

In the past 25 yrs. extensive studies into the affects of smoking tobacco have led to some startling conclusions:

• Of all lung cancer victims, 99.5% are smokers. There are 1,000% more deaths from lung cancer among smokers than nonsmokers.
• The death rate from heart disease is 200% higher among smokers.
• Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are 500% more prevalent in smokers.
• Death rates from all causes are higher for smokers than for nonsmokers.

In spite of this information and warnings by the surgeon general, the American Medical Association, and other scientific groups, millions of Americans are still using tobacco.

Inhaling tobacco smoke slows down the action of the cilia along the air passageways of the respiratory system. Continued smoking may eventually destroy these cilia. The mucus, normally moved along by the cilia, then collects and acts as an irritant, causing the "smokers cough" this nonmoving mucus allows smoke particles, bacteria, dust and other substances to move into the lungs. As smoke particles collect in the alveoli, a person must breathe more deeply to obtain enough oxygen.

Though human lungs are much larger than is necessary for normal, quiet activity, an athlete who smokes experiences shortness of breath because his alveoli are filled with foreign matter. A long-time smoker has often filled so many of his alveoli that he finds is difficult to breathe, especially when suffering from a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, flu, or even a cold.

Emphysema is one of the most crippling disease often because of smoking. Emphysema results in degenerated lungs that can no longer transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the blood.

The nicotine in tobacco smoke causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, restricting the flow of blood. Nicotine increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Tars and nicotine sometimes stimulate abnormal growth of cell layers in the air passageways. This growth, a type of lung cancer, restricts the air flow. Nicotine is an addictive drug. Once a persons body becomes used to nicotine, it craves more of the drug.

Smokers suffer a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breath; the tendency to tire easily; loss of appetite; inability to sleep; eye and skin irritations; discolorations of teeth, fingers and lips; difficulty in performing precise movements with the hands; and impairment of vision and hearing. Smokers constantly have a degree of carbon monoxide poisoning. Some people seem willing to live with these problems in order to get the "pleasure" of a cigarette, pipe or cigar.

Until about 50 yrs. ago, the only known evils of smoking were the smell, the ashes, and the fire hazard. Now scientific evidence has revealed that horrible physical problems may result. Yet people continue to smoke. Why?

Most smokers began smoking when they were teenagers. When asked why, people give responses such as the following: "My friends did, and it made me feel like a part of the group"; "It made me feel more mature"; or "Because it was exciting to do something I knew I shouldnt."

When asked why a person who recognizes the hazards of smoking continues to smoke, common answers include the following: "I get nervous if I dont smoke," and "I like the feeling of being accepted by my friends." If asked many smokers admit they do not even like the taste.

It's your life. You decide.

*Taken from Bob Jones curriculum for Biology*