Effects of Smoke and Smoking on Human Health

Effects of Smoke and Smoking

Some people chew tobacco while others use it in cigarettes. Tobacco smoke is made up of many chemicals. Nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide are the most important chemicals. Nicotine is a very poisonous chemical compound that causes addiction and makes it difficult for smokers to quit smoking. Another most important effect of nicotine on the human body is that it causes blood vessels to constrict, preventing blood flow to all the body's organs.

Tar is a gelatinous material that collects around lung tissues and lung function is affected. Tar also causes lung cancer.

Carbon monoxide present in cigarette smoke combines with hemoglobin in the blood and reduces the oxygen content of the blood. Since all body tissues need oxygen to function properly, the heart has to work harder to compensate for the low oxygen supply, which causes more strain on the heart muscles. These are some of the reasons why smokers have a higher incidence of heart disease than non-smokers.

Man makes progress in industry. The world's population is also growing at a rapid rate. Along with human activity, the amount of smoke in the atmosphere is also increasing, due to industrial and domestic activities. Smoke consists of carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons, (CFC'S) oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.

This smoke collects under the ozone layer and increases its thickness. It causes an increase in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and thus changes the climate. Sometimes these gases in the smoke begin to eat away at the ozone, creating holes in the ozone layer. These holes in the ozone layer cause genetic mutations in humans, plants and animals. It also increases the incidence of skin cancer in humans.

Respiratory Diseases Caused by Smoking

Cigarette smoke causes inflammation of the bronchi, bronchioles and lungs, which is the main cause of cough and sputum. Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi is called bronchitis. Smoking harm the alveoli in the lungs. This reduces the exchange of oxygen in the blood. The patient has to breathe faster to compensate if it takes damage. This disease is known as emphysema.

Heart Disease Caused by Smoking

Smoking predisposes to heart attacks, hypertension and other heart diseases, which are the main cause of death for smokers. Blood vessels, including arteries and arterioles, narrow, and the coronary arteries of the heart in particular are more affected. This grow the chance of a heart attack.

Skin Diseases Caused by Smoking

The most common skin disease is skin allergy. Skin color also changes due to low blood oxygen. Skin wrinkles and signs of aging begin to appear.