The Impact of Smoking: Health Risks and Secondhand Smoke Facts

How significant is the impact of smoking?

I am an elementary school student, but I don't like cigarettes.
I hate that my dad smokes.
I often try to persuade him, but he never listens.
So I want to tell him what the effects of smoking are.
Can you please tell me what smoking does to the body? Also, I heard my teacher say that "people who are exposed to secondhand smoke are 60% more likely to get lung cancer than smokers." Is that true?

Jia Jia, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/03

Dr. Xiao Ruihui reply Smoking Cessation

Dear Child,
Hello, I am Dr.
Hsiao Jui-Hui, a specialist in smoking cessation.
I am very pleased to receive your email and to see your determination to help your father quit smoking.
Below are the health impacts of smoking and the dangers of secondhand smoke.
I have also included a brief overview of the improvements in health after quitting smoking.
If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to ask me.
Dr.
Hsiao Jui-Hui
Date: November 9
Impact of Smoking on Health:
- Approximately 3.5 million people worldwide die from smoking each year.
In Taiwan, statistics from 2003 show that two people die from smoking-related causes every hour.
- The harmful substances in secondhand smoke are 2 to 4 times higher than those inhaled by smokers.
- Cigarettes are one of the strongest carcinogens known to humanity.
Cancer:
1.
Over 90% of lung cancer cases in men are related to smoking.
2.
Besides lung cancer, smoking increases the risk of almost all other cancers, including oral, stomach, liver, cervical, pancreatic, and bladder cancers.
Cardiovascular Diseases:
1.
Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to high blood pressure.
2.
It promotes platelet aggregation, resulting in atherosclerosis.
3.
It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4.
It can lead to memory decline and difficulty concentrating.
5.
It causes erectile dysfunction in men.
Respiratory Diseases:
1.
Smoking affects lung function, resulting in decreased exercise capacity.
2.
It leads to chronic bronchitis (excess mucus) and emphysema (shortness of breath), impacting quality of life.
Reduced Lifespan:
1.
Among smokers, one in two will have their lifespan shortened due to smoking; the reduction can range from two to thirty years.
2.
On average, smokers lose six and a half years of life; each cigarette reduces lifespan by five minutes.
Impact on Appearance:
1.
Smoking increases facial wrinkles.
2.
It causes bad breath and affects taste.
3.
Teeth and fingers become yellow, and there is an odor of smoke, along with rough skin.
Digestive System Diseases:
- Smoking can cause peptic ulcers in the duodenum and stomach.
Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy:
1.
It affects fetal development, leading to low birth weight and congenital anomalies.
2.
It increases the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.
3.
According to Article 32 of the Child Welfare Act, pregnant women are prohibited from smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing betel nut, using or injecting hallucinogens, narcotics, or other substances harmful to fetal development.
Others should not encourage, entice, or force pregnant women into behaviors harmful to fetal development.
Dangers of Secondhand Smoke:
- The lung cancer mortality rate among those exposed to secondhand smoke is doubled compared to those who are not frequently exposed.
1.
It has almost all the same health impacts as smoking (including cancer).
2.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke have poorer lung function.
3.
There is an increased risk of asthma and poor skeletal development in children.
4.
Children are more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Health Improvements After Quitting Smoking:
Quitting smoking can significantly:
1.
Slow the decline in lung function.
2.
Alleviate the worsening of disease symptoms.
3.
Restore the sense of smell and taste.
4.
Save money.
5.
Require less sleep.
6.
Enhance vitality.
7.
Improve clarity of thought.
8.
Create a smoke-free, odorless environment, promoting family health and happiness.
If you find it difficult to quit smoking on your own, consider participating in smoking cessation clinics or courses offered by medical institutions for assistance.
Changhua Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic Hotline: 04-8298686 *1608 (Ask for Dr.
Hsiao Jui-Hui)
We are also starting a smoking cessation class soon.
If your father is interested, he can join!
Event Dates: November 15, 2004, to November 19, 2004
Event Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Event Location: Lecture Hall, 2nd Floor, Changhua Hospital
Registration Period: From now until November 12, 2004
Registration Method: Fill out a registration form or register on-site.

Reply Date: 2004/11/03

More Info

Dear young friend,
It's great to see your concern for your father's health and your desire to help him understand the dangers of smoking. Smoking is indeed harmful to health, and it's important to know the facts so you can share them with him effectively.

Firstly, smoking has a wide range of negative effects on the body. Here are some key points:
1. Cancer Risks: Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer. It is responsible for about 90% of lung cancer cases. In addition to lung cancer, smoking increases the risk of many other types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bladder, and even cervical cancer. The harmful substances in cigarettes, such as tar and various carcinogens, damage the DNA in our cells, leading to cancer.

2. Heart Disease: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Smokers are also more likely to develop atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.

3. Respiratory Issues: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, leading to chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions can make it difficult to breathe and significantly reduce the quality of life. Smokers often experience a decline in lung function, which can affect their ability to engage in physical activities.

4. Reduced Immune Function: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This can lead to more frequent illnesses and longer recovery times.

5. Effects on Appearance: Smoking can lead to premature aging, causing wrinkles and skin damage. It also causes bad breath, yellowed teeth, and a persistent smell of smoke on the body and clothes.

Now, regarding secondhand smoke, it is indeed a serious concern. Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It contains many of the same harmful chemicals that smokers inhale. Here are some important facts about secondhand smoke:
1. Health Risks: People who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for many of the same health problems as smokers, including heart disease and lung cancer. According to research, non-smokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are about 20-30% more likely to develop heart disease and lung cancer compared to those who are not exposed.

2. Children's Health: Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Exposure can lead to respiratory infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It can also affect their development and overall health.

3. Cancer Risk: While the statement that "people exposed to secondhand smoke are 60% more likely to develop lung cancer than smokers" is not entirely accurate, it is true that secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The exact percentage can vary based on various factors, but it is clear that secondhand smoke poses a serious risk.

In conclusion, smoking is harmful not only to the smoker but also to those around them. Encouraging your father to quit smoking is a noble effort, and sharing these facts with him might help him understand the importance of quitting for his health and the health of those around him. If he is open to it, there are many resources available to help people quit smoking, including support groups and medications.

Thank you for caring about your father's health, and I hope this information helps you in your conversation with him!
Best wishes,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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