Cigarette smoke contains over 5,000 chemical compounds; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 60 have been identified as carcinogens.
Smoking can seriously shorten your life, all by itself. Smoking diminishes health generally. Adverse health effects begin before birth and continue across the life span. Smoking also causes cataracts and contributes to the development of osteoporosis, thus increasing the risk for fracture in the elderly.
Effect of smoking on skin
US researchers found that heavier smokers have a greater risk of the skin condition and this only falls back to normal 20 years after quitting. Smoking cigarettes may not only make you seriously sick, it can accelerate the aging process.
The face tends to be a dull, grey colour, and the wrinkles are more prominent than they should be for the person’s age. Another problem with skin and smoking is the damage from the depletion of vitamins A and C. Smoking and skin cancer also have a link. A new study suggests that smokers have a higher risk of developing psoriasis.
The effect of smoking on teeth
Dental health can suffer as a result of smoking with teeth becoming stained, particularly from chewing tobacco. Smoking too causes the “yellowing” of the teeth. Even with a perfect oral hygiene routine these stains can be difficult to remove.
Effects on the internal aspects of the body
Once nicotine is inhaled, it enters the bloodstream and is carried to the brain. Once here, it acts on certain receptors and stimulates hormones and adrenalin release. The increased adrenalin leads to an increase in heart rate, changes in breathing and a rise in blood pressure. The rise in adrenalin causes a surge in glucose production that can take effect as a rush of energy; this may be due to the inhibiting effects nicotine has on insulin release and also may explain why smokers believe their cigarettes help to reduce their appetite.
It has also been found that nicotine can act as a depressant by altering the communication between cells of the nervous system.
Some users of nicotine products find that they have a decrease in urine excretion, nausea and dizziness.
Effects of smoking on kids
Children are also at risk from the effects of nicotine as it can enter their systems also; it can lead to an increased risk of them developing asthma or even put young babies at risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The inhalation of nicotine can also progress heart and arterial disease; on the whole, it is the other components of cigarettes that are harmful to physical health.