What are the Risks of Smoking?

Smoking is a common habit but is one that is associated with many risks, such as cancer, heart disease, and impotence. The amount that a person smokes and the length of time that she has smoked can play a role in determining which conditions she may develop and the likelihood of it happening. In many instances, however, the risks of smoking can be greatly reduced if the habit is abandoned.

There have been phenomenal efforts around the globe to help people understand that lung cancer is one of the biggest risks of smoking. The American Lung Association has found that smoking is directly responsible for about 90 percent of the deaths due to lung cancer.

Many people believe the risks of smoking are limited to cancer. This, however, is false. Pulmonary health conditions such as emphysema and bronchitis have been linked to the use of tobacco products. Heart problems are also one of the risks of smoking. A person who smokes is often more likely to have a heart attack than someone who does not smoke.

Impotence is one of the risks of smoking which pertains specifically to males. It is believed that this is caused by a connection between smoking and reduced blood flow to the penis. Even if impotence is not a problem, research suggests that male smokers have less desire for sex than non-smokers. There is also a possibility that smoking can negatively affect the quality of a man’s sperm.

Women should note that there are risks of smoking that pertain specifically to them, also. One of these is infertility. When female smokers do become pregnant, their chances of having complications increase. These complications can affect either the mother, the child, or both.

There is also the risk that smoking will have a negative effect on a person’s appearance. Smokers tend to have more severe wrinkle problems than non-smokers. They may experience premature hair loss. Furthermore, they commonly experience oral problems that include teeth loss.

Adverse effects on surrounding individuals are one of the risks of smoking. The effects on the smoker initially received much more attention than the hazards that the habit poses to innocent bystanders. It has been found that secondhand smoke is a carcinogen and it can aggravate the intensity of a person’s asthma condition. The effects on children can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and abnormal lung development. Due to the harm that can be caused to others, many smoking laws now prohibit the practice in public places such as bars, government offices, and public transportation.