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It is well known that tobacco smoke contains harmful substances such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. In fact, more than 4000 chemicals (e.g. cyanide, arsenic), of which more than 50 carcinogens (e.g. nitrosamine, aldehyde, chromium), were identified in the smoke. These substances will harm nearly every organ of the body and cause various diseases.
| Nicotine |
- Addictive, narrows blood vessels |
| Tar |
- Carcinogenic, irritates airways, causes yellowish nails and teeth |
| Carbon monoxide |
- Reduces oxygen carrying capacity of blood, depletes oxygen, accelerates ageing |
Evidence shows that smoking is a causative agent of many fatal diseases and cancers. It is confirmed that at least 10 types of cancer are caused by smoking. Besides, disorders and problems such as impotence, infertility, wrinkling, and halitosis can also be caused by smoking.
| Diseases that are caused by smoking |
| Cancers |
Lung cancer, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder and kidney cancer, cervical cancer and leukemia |
| Cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases |
Heart diseases, stroke, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease |
| Respiratory diseases |
Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory symptoms such as cough and phlegm |
| Pregnancy-related diseases |
Fetal growth retardation, premature delivery, miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy |
| Other diseases |
Impotence, infertility, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, ageing of the skin and periodontitis |
Smoking would also bring about socio-economical consequences. Secondhand smoke from smokers will harm their family members as well.
For further information on the health hazards of smoking to health, please visit the following websites:
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