Tobacco Use: Detrimental Effects on Human - Research Paper Example

? Smoking Introduction Smoking is a major health hazard of today’s world. It has detrimental effects on human body leading to serious consequences such as cancer, respiratory troubles and cardiac diseases. Moreover tobacco smoke has been proven to be dangerous to the people who smoke actively but also the people around smokers who inhale it subconsciously. Statistical data “Tobacco use kills approximately 5–6 million people annually worldwide, accounting for 1 in every 5 male deaths and 1 in 20 female deaths in individuals over 30years of age” (Jha 655). In spite of the fact, that smoking has negative consequences on the body and nature, total number of smokers is increasing every year across the nations. Mr. Prabhat Jha has also stated in the his online publication “Analysis” that, “unless there is widespread cessation of smoking, approximately 450 million deaths will have occurred as a result of smoking by 2050 and most of these will occur in current smokers”( 655). Here is some light thrown on the data about smoking prevalence worldwide with reference to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “An estimated 45.3 million people, or 19.3% of all adults (aged 18 years or older), in the United States smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is more common among men (21.5%) than women (17.3%)” (“Center for Disease Control and Prevention”). “Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for approximately 443,000 deaths, or 1 of every 5 deaths, in the United States each year” (“Center for Disease Control and Prevention”). As per Mr. Jha publication, around 1.1 billion people smoke across the globe out which almost 80% belong to developing nations. Ratio of male to female smoker is 49:8 in such nation in contrast to developed nation where ratio is 37:21.China has the highest smoking population above 15 years of age followed by India, Indonesia, Russia, United States, Japan, Brazil, Bangladesh, Germany and Turkey (655). Graph curtsey - (Cancer Research UK) 2012. This graph represents worldwide tobacco epidemic, demonstrates initial rise and subsequent drop in the rate. Countries from northern Europe have shown remarkable drop in the percentage of smokers compared to rest of the world. (Cancer Research UK) Smoking is injurious to health- As per the National Cancer Institute, the amount of hazardous materials is very high in tobacco smoke (N.p.). Around 250 chemicals are known to be harmful to the human out of which nearly 60-70 are pure carcinogenic. Here is the list of dangerous chemicals present in tobacco smoke (“National Cancer Institute”), Carbon Monoxide Ammonia Hydrogen Cyanide. Following are typically cancer causing elements, Arsenic Benzene Beryllium 1, 3–Butadiene Cadmium Chromium Ethylene oxide Nickel Polonium-210 Vinyl chloride Formaldehyde Benzo[a]Pyrene Toluene Hazards to health- No human organ is spared with tobacco toxicity. As seen above, cigarette smoke is the complex mixture of 4000 different hazardous chemical compounds. All these toxins are responsible for adverse effects on different systems of the human body. Here are commonly known ill effects of chronic smoking, (“National Cancer Institute”) Cancer-Long term inhalation of tobacco usually results in lung cancer. It can also affect larynx, esophagus, mouth throat etc. Long term side effects are also noticeable with cancer of pancreas, kidney, stomach, bowel, leukemia etc (“National Cancer Institute”). Respiratory disorders-Chronic smoking has major impact or respiratory filters. It is responsible for many serious conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic asthma, pneumonia etc (“National Cancer Institute”). Cardiac diseases- Smoking is one of the major risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. It can lead to life threatening conditions such as stroke and aortic aneurysm etc (“National Cancer Institute”). Infertility- Smoking is known to cause erectile dysfunction in men (“National Cancer Institute”). Antenatal side effects-Cigarette smoking during pregnancy hampers the development of baby in the womb leading to growth retardation and low birth weight babies. Not only that if this persists further, it can cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in newborn (“National Cancer Institute”). Other conditions-Fracture hip, cataract etc (“National Cancer Institute”). US environmental protection agency has stated that tobacco smoke contains small portion of radioactive material such as lead-210 and polonium- 210. These radioactive substances get accumulated in the deeper tissues of lungs such as bronchioles with every cigarette. Over the time, the amount of radioactive deposition becomes significant to damage lung lining resulting in lung malignancy (“U.S. Environmental Protection Agency”). Asbestosis and chronic smoking- Another side effect of smoking is, Asbestosis. Though smoking is not directly causing it but smokers are more prone to this occupational hazard. Asbestos fibers are found in the environment in varying concentration. They are predominantly seen near the factories. Workers are constantly exposed to asbestos particles. Asbestosis is a fatal lung disease wherein lung tissue is disrupted causing difficulty in inhaling and exhaling toxins from lung. Asbestos fibers once inhaled may settle down in lungs. Researchers suggest that people with long term smoking are more likely to suffer from Asbestosis as smoking hamper lungs performance and disrupt the lining and exchange filters as a result asbestos is not thrown out of respiratory (Guerra). Non smokers’ health hazard- Non smokers are those who inhale second hand smoke from the surrounding air and suffer from its ill effects without active smoking. This side stream smoke which is the part of environmental tobacco smoke appears in the environment from the smoker’s puff. Children are more affected with the second hand smoke as their lungs are not completely formed. Asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, such serious complications are noticed in children due to exposure. United States Environment Protection Agency has concluded that, “Exposure to secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke has also been shown in a number of studies to increase the risk of heart disease” (“United States Environment Protection Agency”). Environmental hazards- It is clear so far that how smoking is injurious to humanity. Right from growing of tobacco crops till disposing of cigarette butt, the entire process has a heavy impact on environment and this fact slips of human mind very easily. Here are some facts to understand how smoking is injurious to environment from “Action on Smoking and Health”(1-5), Tobacco plants They are delicate and prone to infections. They require heavy dose of pesticide and fertilizers support. Some pesticides are extremely toxic to the environment such as Aldicarb, Imidacloprid, Chorpyrifos, Methyl bromide and 1, 3-Dicholropropene etc. These fertilizers are extensively used while growing the plant. Aldicarb and Imidacloprid are poisonous to environment especially to small creatures such as insects, fish, birds but whereas Chorpyrifos is known to produce harm to human nervous system and also responsible for birth defects and Anaemia. Methyl Bromide is used for fumigation of the site before planting. It is known to cause damage to ozone layer. 1, 3-Diachoropropen is if inhaled causes respiratory distress along with skin and kidney affections sometimes. The sediments of these compounds are readily found in the surface water and soil to harm the community. Though the farmers are advised to take all required protective measures but use of such chemical fertilizer is still very dangerous to other living things (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Green tobacco sickness (GTS) - Framers who pick wet tobacco leaves from the plants are prone to this syndrome. While handling wet tobacco leaves Nicotine gets absorbed into the skin tissues and reaches to the blood stream producing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, abdominal sickness in more severe cases blood pressure is altered significantly (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Deforestation-Number of trees are destroyed in order to avail lands for tobacco harvesting. To dry up the leaves naturally, heat is produced by burning woods. This process is called as ‘Flue cure’ of the tobacco and it’s an important step in tobacco harvesting as well dried leaves sustain longer (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Air pollution-Cigarette factories produce chemical waste in the form of fumes, liquid and solids while processing tobacco. This waste is extremely toxic to the environment. As per the fact sheet, “The tobacco industry was rated 18th in the list of industrial chemical waste producers” (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Fire risks- “Cigarettes and matches are a common cause of fire. Between 1995 and 2005 there were on average 4,300 house fires a year started by smokers’ materials. In 2005, smokers’ materials caused the deaths of 110 people in homes, accounting for one third of all deaths in domestic fires in the UK”. In the US also smoking substances are the major causes of fire till date (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Global Warming- Entire procedure of cigarette manufacturing contributes to climatic changes. Right from planting seeds till cigarette processing, every step adds to the damage to the global climatic crisis as seen above. Emission of Methane and Carbon dioxide and radioactive ingredients contribute further damage (“Action on Smoking and Health”1-5). Benefits of quitting Smoking There are clear cut evidences available about the ill effects of smoking to planet. Quitting smoking at an early age is indeed beneficial to one’s health, environment and of course for cost saving. Here are few tips to help the people who wish to quit smoking, (“Stay Healthy”) 1. Firm decision about quitting smoking is must before everything. 2. Fix the date-It could be a special date or any. Have a sufficient time before the day. Make up the mind. Think all aspects benefits, troubles and stay firm with the decision. 3. Consult doctor-to know about any particular method to quit smoking. Doctor generally prescribes medicine such as bupropion or varenicline. These medicines may have some side effects. It is important for the person to evaluate all possibilities. Circle the date to start medicine. 4. Method to follow to quit smoking-There are various techniques which can be followed e.g. Gradual reduction in the consumption of cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapy Join stop smoking classes and get the proper guidance from them Arrange some hard food items which can be consumed instead of cigarette such as carrots, gums, candies, coffee etc. 5. Prepare for quit day-Get rid of all cigarette packets and ashtrays from house and rest of the places. Inform near and dear ones about the decision. It helps to get motivation. 6. Always remind to one that I don’t smoke anymore. 7. Seek for medical help in case of any withdrawal symptoms. 8. Keep yourself well hydrated, active. Eat your favorite food. 9. Avoid contact with the people who smoke for some days. 10. Try to keep yourself away from such scenario where urge to smoking cannot be controlled. , (“Stay Healthy”) Conclusion Smoking hazards can be preventable by quitting smoking. It is indeed a serious addiction to quit. And on quitting; person may have to face some physical symptoms as well as mental disturbances for short duration. But Nicotine replacement therapy plays a vital role in this withdrawal management promoting the person to stay away from this habit. Gradually, change of life style, healthy eating habits and positive thinking helps to recover from the situation. One has to have patience, strong will power and determination to quit smoking. Then nothing is impossible. Ultimately health is wealth. Works Cited "Adult Cigarette Smoking in the United States: Current Estimate." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease, Prevention and Health Promotion, 14Mar. 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . Guerra, Dr.Norys. "Cigarette smoking and asbestos." Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Department of Health and Human Services, June 2006. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . "Guide to Quitting Smoking." Stay Healthy. American Cancer Society, 2 Jan. 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . "Health Effects of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke." United States Environment Protection Agency. EPA, 1 Dec. 2011. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . "Harms of Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting." National Cancer Institute. National Institute of Health, 1Dec.2011. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . Jha, Prabhat. "Avoidable global cancer deaths and." Analysis, 20 Aug. 2009: 655. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. . "Radiation Protection." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . "Smoking statistics." Cancer Research UK. N.p. 22Feb. 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . "Tobacco and the environment." Action on Smoking and Health. (2009): 1-5. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. . Read More