Our population is bombarded with warnings through all modes of communications concerning the harmful effects of cigarette smoking. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population falls under the category of being a smoker. Smoking a cigarette means a person is at risk of taking over 4000 harmful chemicals into their body. The entire elements of cigarette smoking adversely interfere with the normal functions of the human body. The effects of cigarette smoking are fatal and extensive. For this reason, our population is highly at risk.
Nicotine
Damaging effects occur when harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke pass through the body. Nicotine, the most common component of cigarette smoking, reach the brain in less than 10 seconds and affects various organs of human body. A breastfeeding woman is at higher risk for cigarette smoking and the effects of cigarette smoking are more dangerous to infant. Carbon Monoxide from cigarette smoking combines with hemoglobin within the red blood corpuscles which inhibit the process of oxygen transportation throughout the cells.
Carcinogens
One of the significant compounds of cigarette smoke is the cancer causing agent known as carcinogens, which can alter or damage the structure of the genes responsible for cell growth. The result is either restrained or excessive abnormal cell production. Both conditions are harmful and place the person at a higher level of susceptibility to develop various types of cancer. The effects of cigarette smoking have great effect on the immune system and respiratory system.
The effects of cigarette smoking are quite vast and deep-rooted. One of the most complex effects of cigarette smoking is the formation of oxidative stress that mutates DNA which eventually leads to chronic lung injury. It is assumed that the oxidative stress is an important symptom related to acceleration of the aging process. Advance stages of oxidative stress may lead to the development of various types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Normally, our body produces certain level of antioxidants which aids in repairing damaged cells, preventing the production of free radicals and the like. Cigarette smoking directly interferes with this process and it also promotes production of free radicals. Chronic inflammation can be considered as one of the serious effects of cigarette smoking, which also accelerates the oxidative process.
