Dangers of Smoking

While most people know that there are dangers of smoking, most have no real understanding as to the degree of danger and the effects on the lungs.

True, smoking can lead to lung cancer but what people need to know is all the dangers of smoking to understand the potential long-term effects.

As far back as 1953, several tobacco companies met in New York at the Plaza Hotel.  Together, they created a plan for educating the public about the various dangers associated with smoking.  The judge that ultimately ruled in the case was swept up in a “conspiracy”, one established by the tobacco companies stating no dangers existed.  However, this same judge oversaw the report that came out in 1964 by the Surgeon General, also stating that smoking was the direct link to lung cancer, among other health problems.  Even then, the various tobacco companies continued to put out false information and deny reports of danger.

During those years, a very interesting fact was revealed - tobacco companies were gearing their marketing strategies toward a younger generation.  While these very companies firmly stated they did not want young children to smoking, they continued efforts of advertising and marketing that caught the attention of youth.  In fact, the tobacco companies went so far as to hide the true dangers of smoking, especially for young people still in a growing phase.

Another sad report came out by tobacco companies stating that secondhand smoke posed no dangers.  The judge ruling in this case agreed that breathing in secondhand smoke posed no health risks.

What we all know today is that not only is smoking dangerous but there are also dangers of smoking specific to secondhand smoke.  New studies show that people around secondhand smoke breathe in approximately 15% of the level of nicotine that regular smokers inhale.  That means if a parent smoked around a small child it would come down to that child smoking too.

In addition to the smoker being at risk and people around the smoker, especially young children, even family pets are at risk.  This too has been studied and the facts are that animals around cigarette smoke also struggle with a variety of health problems, typically cancer and upper respiratory issues.

The dangers of smoking specific to the smoker are far worse than what people have been led to believe.  For instance, smokers are prone to decreased circulation, which means that blood going to the extremities is reduced.  Because of this, getting wounds to heal quickly is difficult.  The bottom line is that smoking is dangerous to everyone.  Knowing the facts should be an encouragement for people to quit!

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