Stinky. Harmful. Totally Lame. Don’t Get Burned (Out)!
The persistent, mildly poisoned state
Smoking is not just a bad habit, it can also progress into a chronic disease in its more advanced stages.
As with all addictions, smoking involves cravings that only subside when the body receives another dose of nicotine.
Almost everyone has an opinion about smoking. Although its acceptance is steadily declining, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), 27% of adults in the country still smoked as of 2019. Unfortunately, this habit not only affects smokers but also the health of those around them who are exposed to its harmful effects. The most dangerous time to start smoking is before the age of 18, as this is when the most severe addiction can develop.
What’s in a cigarette?
Cigarettes and the smoke produced when they burn contain around 4,000 different substances, 70 of which are proven carcinogens. Just a few of the toxic chemicals that are harmful to our health: benzene, cadmium, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, acetone, DDT, formaldehyde, and polonium.
Nicotine (or nicotine salts in alternative products) is present in all tobacco products. This potent compound is a legal drug responsible for the development and maintenance of addiction. Its lethal dose is between 20–60 mg (one cigarette contains an average of 1 mg of nicotine). Nicotine affects the body in numerous ways: it activates the sympathetic nervous system, constricts arteries, raises blood pressure and heart rate, and increases blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It’s so toxic that it’s even used as a pesticide.
The nicotine level in the blood halves after about 1.5–2 hours, this is when cravings typically occur after the last cigarette. Without another dose, the smoker may become irritable, restless, less focused, or feel hungrier. These are the first withdrawal symptoms, which fortunately subside within a few days or weeks after quitting.
When thinking about the harmful components in tobacco products, many people immediately think of nicotine, while tar and carbon monoxide can also come to mind. Tar is responsible for the unpleasant smell associated with smoking. It accumulates in the respiratory system, and reduces the lung’s active surface for breathing. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, further damages the body by impairing oxygen transport. Its effects are noticeable even in the short term: headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness during or after the first cigarette are common symptoms.
When it comes to alternative tobacco products, they all, without exception, shorten life expectancy just the same! They maintain nicotine addiction and directly deliver toxic substances to the body. Don’t be deceived by the stylish designs or trendy packaging! Those who use them will inevitably face the same harmful consequences.
Passive smoking
The harmful effects of smoking extend beyond the smoker, affecting their environment, including non-smokers . The so-called mainstream smoke—containing all the harmful chemicals and byproducts—is inhaled directly into the lungs by the smoker. At the same time, sidestream smoke is released directly into the air from a burning cigarette, water pipe, or e-cigarette. Since sidestream smoke isn’t filtered, it contains even more harmful substances than mainstream smoke. Both the exhaled smoke and the sidestream smoke are inhaled by those nearby, known as passive smoking. Its victims are often family members, coworkers, and even pets.
There’s also a lesser-known impact called third-hand smoke. Toxic substances from smoke settle onto surfaces, where they can remain harmful for many years.
A nicotine-free life is a better and healthier life
The best choice is to never start smoking. The second-best is to quit now. Both decisions significantly improve quality of life and increase the expected number of healthy life years. Quitting reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, oral cancers, skin cancer, and lung cancer. It also improves skin appearance, dental health, and body odor. Non-smokers tend to have more energy and perform better in their daily activities, leading to a fuller, healthier life.
You can quit!
Smoking is a learned behaviour, so quitting is challenging not only because of nicotine addiction but also because of the habits that have formed around it. To successfully quit, one must address the emotions, thoughts, and motivations linked to smoking. It’s a time-intensive process, as creating a new lifestyle takes 3–6 months to become a daily routine, even with a strong commitment.
Maintaining a smoke-free life requires considerable self-discipline. Although the activity of nicotine-dependent receptors decreases after quitting, even a single cigarette can reactivate them, potentially causing a relapse. Professional support can be sought from a general practitioner or, if necessary, a psychologist. The sooner you start, the better! It’s always better to quit for the sake of a healthier life than waiting for serious, often irreversible health issues to arise.
Infographics: Health Promotion Center
Fotó1: Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/hu-hu/foto/ferfi-no-rud-cso-7594134/
Fotó2: Anh Nguyen: https://www.pexels.com/hu-hu/foto/29504333/
