Posted by Ann on 7/5/2001, 9:58 am What Are The Risks Of Smoking? Smoking kills over 400,000 people a year -- more than one in six people in the United States -- making it more lethal than AIDS, automobile accidents, homicides, suicides, drug overdoses, and fires combined. It is estimated that the U.S. spends an astounding $50 billion each year on smoking-related health costs. Smoking may be even more dangerous now than 30 years ago, most likely because the lower tar and nicotine levels in most cigarette brands cause people to inhale more deeply. In one study only 42% of male liflong smokers reached the age of 73 compared to 78% of nonsmokers. People who are exposed to second-hand or side-stream smoke are also at risk. Smoke that is exhaled not only contains the same dangerous contaminants as inhaled smoke, but the exhaled smoke particles are smaller, so that they can reach distant sites in the lungs of involuntary or passive smokers and do great harm. *Heart Disease Found at WebMDHealth
Despite the fact that most everyone knows smoking is bad for you, almost a quarter of adult Americans still smoke (as do far too many children). Perhaps part of the reason is that nicotine is one of the most powerfully addictive substances known.
*Cancer
*Stroke and Dementia
*Lung Disease
*Osteoporosis and Other Effects on Bone
*Peptic Ulcers
*Male Sexuality and Reproduction
*Incontinence
*Eye Disorders
*Thyroid Conditions
*Pregnancy and Children
*Teeth, Skin, and Hair Disorders
*Hearing Loss
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