the effects of smoking cigarettes essay

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Cause and Effects of Smoking Cigarettes, Essay Example

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Smoking cigarettes has historically been a leisurely and highly popular social activity that a litany of people turn to as a way to assuage daily stress, lose weight, and feel socially accepted in a constantly evolving social world. Tobacco, the main ingredient in cigarettes, has high levels of nicotine, which is a highly addictive ingredient that makes it hard for people to quit smoking if nicotine is ingested on a quotidian basis (Woolbright, 1994, p. 337). According to the CDC (2014), cigarette smoking causes over 480,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, which translates into one out of every five people extirpating due to the ingestion of tobacco. A preventable cause of death, cigarette smoking kills more persons than accidents caused due motor vehicle accidents, alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, deaths involving firearms, and the HIV/AIDS virus altogether (Center For Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Women who smoke tobacco disproportionately suffer from even more health problems as it directly harms not only their reproductive health but also their mortality and morbidity rates of their progeny or future children (American Lung Association, n.d.). People should not smoke because it not only spawns negative health effects but also because it is not economically useful. If people stopped smoking, many lives would be both indirectly and directly saved from premature and preventative deaths as a result.

Doctors and other medical experts pinpoint the various health hazards caused by smoking, especially to the statistics pertaining to the nexus between smoking cigarettes and premature death, in order to convince people to quit smoking. In the past five decades, the risk of premature death in both female and male smokers has profoundly increased (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). According to the CDC (2014), smoking cigarettes causes a handful of diseases because it adversely impacts almost all bodily organs and detracts from the general health of enthusiastic smokers. The risk of developing coronary heart disease (COPD), various cardiovascular maladies, and stroke–the leading cause of death in the United States alone–increases two to four times as much due to the damage it spawns to blood vessels because tobacco narrows and thickens them. These ramifications cause rapid heartbeat, which results in higher blood pressure levels which renders smokers vulnerable to blood clots. If blood clots prevent blood from reaching the heart, people put themselves at risk for heart attack due to the fact that the heart does not get enough oxygen and thus kills the heart muscle. In addition, blood clots can also cause a stroke because they can hinder blood flow to the brain. Shockingly, quitting smoking even after just one year drastically enhances an individual’s risk of incurring poor cardiovascular health. Moreover, smoking is directly connected to various respiratory diseases due to the fact that it harms both airways and alveoli, or the minute air vacs, that are in the lungs. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and bronchitis are common forms of lung disease that chronic smokers often develop. In addition, medical experts correlate cigarette smoking with a litany of cancers, which have been pinpointed as the primary cause of lung cancer in individuals who smoke for a protracted period of time. Smoking cigarettes can also spawn various other types of cancer, including cancer in the stomach, liver, kidneys, bladders, pancreas, and oropharynx. Smoking not only puts smokers at risk for these often fatal types of cancer but also to those around smokes as a result of second-hand smoking. Second-hand smoke, according to the CDC (2014), causes an estimated 34,000 deaths per year in non-smokers because they too develop various cardiovascular diseases while an estimated 8,000 persons prematurely dying as a result of stroke (CDC, 2014). They also are put at risk for developing lung cancer by approximately thirty percent, and their risk for heart attack is also amplified. Physicians estimate that if nobody smoked cigarettes around the world, an estimated one out of every three deaths caused by cancer would not manifest (1).

More poignantly, smoking cigarettes negatively impacts women’s reproductive health, and children who are exposed to cigarette smoke suffer from often fatal effects. Many studies have analyzed and outlined the negative ramifications of maternal smoking on both the mother and the baby and/or infant ( Hofhuis, de Jongste, & Merkus, 2003 & Woolbright, 1994). Many states require documentation on birth certificates of maternal tobacco consumption (Woolbright, 1994). Despite the Surgeon General’s stern warning that maternal smoking has been linked to fetal injury, premature birth, and/or low birth rate, 15-37% of pregnant women still smoke cigarettes while pregnant (Hofhuis, de Jongste, & Merkus, 2003). Mothers who smoke also frequently participate in other high-risk behaviors that also negatively impacts the health of their progeny. Additionally, factors including marital and socio-economic status in addition education level affect the outcome of pregnancies due to increased vulnerability to cigarette smoking (Woolbright, 1994, p. 330). Low birth weight is the main impact of maternal smoking, although the existing literature pinpoints infant death and premature birth as major ramifications of it as well. Infant exposure to tobacco after they are born puts him or her at risk of premature death if they develop respiratory diseases in addition to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Woolbright, 1994). Hofhuis, de Jongste, and Merkus (2003) assessed how smoking cigarettes during pregnancy in addition to passive smoking thereafter affects both the mortality and morbidity rates in children. Statistics show that other obstetric complications directly linked to smoking, including spontaneous abortions, premature rupture of membranes, ectopic pregnancies, and complications related to the placenta. Smoking also stunts the lung growth that fetuses need in utero, which results in the child suffering from weakened lungs after birth while also exponentially increases the child’s chance of suffering from asthma and a vast array of other crippling respiratory diseases. In addition, it stunts brain development and detracts from the child’s mental acuity.

Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking. (2014, February 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Retrieved November 21, 2015 from http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_ cig_smoking/

American Lung Association. (n.d.). Women and tobacco use. American Lung Association . Retrieved November 21, 2015 from http://www.lung.org/stop- smoking/about-smoking/facts- figures/women-and-tobacco-use.html

Ault, R. W., Jr., R. E., Jackson, J. D., Saba, R. S., & Saurman, D. S. (1991). Smoking and Absenteeism. Applied Economics , 23 , 743-754.

Hodgson TA. Cigarette Smoking and Lifetime Medical Expenditures. Millbank Q 1992, 70, 81-125.

Hofhuis, W., de Jongste, J. C., & Merkus, P. J. (2003). Adverse Health Effects of Prenatal and Postnatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Children. Arch Dis Child , 88 , 1086-1090.

Woolbright, L. A. (1994). The effects of maternal smoking on infant health. Population Research and Policy Review , 13 (3), 327-339.

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Essay on Effects of Smoking

Students are often asked to write an essay on Effects of Smoking in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Effects of Smoking

Introduction.

Smoking is a harmful habit that affects the smoker and those around them. It’s a leading cause of various health problems.

Health Risks

Smoking damages almost every organ in the body. It causes lung diseases, heart problems, and increases the risk of stroke.

Effects on Non-smokers

Secondhand smoke exposes non-smokers to the same risks. It’s especially harmful to children, causing respiratory infections and sudden infant death syndrome.

Long-term Consequences

Smoking leads to addiction and can reduce life expectancy. It also affects the quality of life due to the health issues it causes.

To lead a healthy life, it’s crucial to stay away from smoking.

Also check:

Paragraph on Effects of Smoking

250 Words Essay on Effects of Smoking

Smoking, a widely prevalent habit, is a significant public health issue. Despite the known deleterious effects, many people continue to smoke, highlighting the addictive nature of nicotine. This essay delves into the effects of smoking on individual health and society.

Health Implications

Smoking is a primary risk factor for numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders. It harms nearly every organ in the body, reducing overall health. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage DNA, leading to mutations that can cause cancer, particularly lung cancer. Moreover, smoking affects the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Social and Economic Impact

Beyond the health implications, smoking has profound social and economic effects. The habit often leads to social isolation as non-smokers may avoid smokers due to the unpleasant smell and secondhand smoke. Economically, smoking imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to the high cost of treating smoking-related illnesses.

Psychological Consequences

Smoking also has psychological effects. Nicotine addiction can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, making quitting a daunting task. This dependency can affect an individual’s quality of life and mental wellbeing.

In conclusion, the effects of smoking are far-reaching, affecting not just the smoker’s health but also their social interactions, economic status, and mental health. It is imperative to continue efforts in education and legislation to reduce the prevalence of this harmful habit.

500 Words Essay on Effects of Smoking

Smoking, a widespread habit with serious health implications, is a topic of concern that merits significant attention. Despite the known dangers, millions globally continue to smoke, affecting not only their health but also those in their vicinity. This essay delves into the effects of smoking, focusing on health, environmental, and social impacts.

Health Effects of Smoking

Smoking is unequivocally linked to numerous health issues. The most well-known and severe is lung cancer, with smoking accounting for approximately 85% of all cases. However, the health implications extend beyond just lung disease. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also affects the entire cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.

The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm nearly every organ in the body, leading to a wide range of diseases and reducing the smoker’s overall health. Notably, nicotine, a primary component of tobacco, is highly addictive, making smoking cessation challenging and often leading to long-term dependence.

Environmental Impact

The environmental effects of smoking are often overlooked but are significant. Cigarette production involves deforestation for tobacco farming, pesticide use, and water pollution from manufacturing processes. Furthermore, cigarette butts, the most littered item globally, contain non-biodegradable filters that can take years to decompose, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment.

Secondhand smoke also contributes to air pollution. It contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic, posing risks to non-smokers, especially in enclosed spaces. This highlights the broader environmental implications of smoking, extending its impact beyond the individual smoker.

Social Consequences

Smoking also has profound social effects. It places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems due to the treatment of smoking-related diseases. This burden extends to families, as the cost of maintaining the habit and the potential medical costs associated with smoking can cause financial stress.

Moreover, smoking can lead to social isolation as society becomes more aware of the risks of secondhand smoke. Many public spaces now prohibit smoking, and smokers may find themselves excluded from social gatherings to protect the health of others. The addictive nature of smoking can also lead to strained relationships and emotional distress.

In conclusion, the effects of smoking are multifaceted, extending far beyond the individual smoker’s health. It has severe environmental consequences and significant social implications, affecting both the smoker and those around them. While efforts to reduce smoking prevalence have had some success, it remains a pressing public health issue. As such, it is crucial to continue education and prevention efforts, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of this damaging habit.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Smoking and Its Effects on Human Body Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Smoking is one of the oldest traditions followed by millions of people in the world. Despite pleasure and positive feelings, smoking is dangerous as it harms the human body and tissues. Smoking is dangerous as it leads to health-related problems including cardiovascular disease.

According to Carr (22), one-third of all deaths in America are caused by coronary heart disease, and at least 30 percent of these deaths are related to smoking. Smoking affects the lungs and respiratory organs causing such terrible diseases as cancer.

Among the most wider spread diseases are peptic ulcers, cancer of the larynx, kidney, pancreas, and other major organs. The resins from the smoke enter the blood and ruin cells. This process is inevitable if a person smokes for years. Also, smoking harms the fetus, increasing the risk of spontaneous abortion and low birth weight.

The investigators explain the effects of smoking on the breath as follows: the rapid pulse rate of smokers decreases the stroke volume during rest since the venous return is not affected and the ventricles lose the habit and ability to make large strokes.

Similar conditions arise during strenuous exercise, that is, with the rapid heart rate, the diastolic filling is incomplete and the stroke output remains small. This results in a relatively small unit circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues with the result that an oxygen debt must be incurred. This ends in breathlessness and dyspnœa. Just giving the facts is not enough. Attitudes and behaviors need to be addressed (Rabin and Sugarman, p. 43).

Students want behavioral tips on how to maintain peer acceptability while avoiding the pressure to show how cool they are b smoking. While cigarette ads on television and radio are forbidden, “gifts” of cigarettes to minors (particularly in minority communities) are not discouraged as an advertisement ploy.

Moreover, the interlacing of beer ads with sports events and wine cooler ads with upscale women’s television programming sends strong messages to young people about how society views substance use. Role-plays, debates, “raps,” and antismoking jingles allow students an active exploration of their motivation for wanting or not wanting to smoke. These techniques encourage youngsters to think for themselves, to develop their judgments and attitudes (Carr, p. 87).

Recently, studies by Rabin and Sugarman (2003) have demonstrated an increased cancer risk in adulthood among children who were exposed to parental smoking in their early years. An overview of the health effects of passive smoking on children and adults is the same as on active smokers. Smoking has direct physiological effects on the body, and the cumulative wear and tear on the system caused by recurring stress can eventually cause damage to the system. Indeed, there is abundant evidence that stress can cause several physiological and biochemical changes (Cnossen, p. 31).

In sum, smoking harms the human body ruining healthy cells and tissues. Smoking is dangerous as it leads to inevitable changes in blood and tissues of the heart and lungs. Smoking can cause neural and endocrine change that alters the normal functioning of the organism (e.g., change in cardiovascular activity or immune system functioning). This physiological stress response is accompanied by behavioral responses as well. Smoking and the subsequent behavioral response to it can affect health and facilitate, if not cause, some illnesses.

Carr, A. The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr’s Easyway Method. Sterling; 1 edition, 2005.

Cnossen, S. Theory and Practice of Excise Taxation: Smoking, Drinking, Gambling, Polluting, and Driving. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Rabin, R. L., Sugarman, S.D. Regulating Tobacco. Oxford University Press, 2001.