Composition of tobacco smoke
- Tobacco smoke is composed of liquid aerosol droplets, with a high concentration of droplets per cm.
- Cigarettes today often contain a filter that can reduce tar and nicotine smoke yields.
- Tobacco smoke can be categorized into a particulate phase (trapped on a glass-fiber pad) and a gas/vapor phase (which passes through the pad).
- Tar in tobacco smoke is determined by subtracting the weight of nicotine and water from the total particulate matter.
- Tobacco smoke contains various toxic chemicals and groups of chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, and harmala alkaloids.
Health risks of tobacco smoke
- Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections.
- Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease.
- Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome.
- Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Effects on the respiratory system
- Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and can cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Smokers are more likely to develop respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Smoking damages the cilia in the airways, leading to a buildup of mucus and impaired lung function.
- Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke can result in irreversible lung damage and decreased lung capacity.
- Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of respiratory diseases and improve lung function.
Cardiovascular effects
- Smoking increases the risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
- Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increased blood pressure.
- Smokers have a higher risk of blood clots, which can cause strokes and peripheral artery disease.
- Secondhand smoke exposure can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
- Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and improves cardiovascular health.
Impact on oral health
- Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
- Tobacco smoke reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing the body's ability to fight infection.
- Smokers are more likely to develop oral infections, bad breath, and stained teeth.
- Smoking can delay the healing process after dental procedures and increase the risk of complications.
- Quitting smoking improves oral health and reduces the risk of developing oral diseases.
Tobacco smoke Data Sources
| Reference | URL |
|---|---|
| Glossary | https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/tobacco-smoke |
| Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_smoke |
| Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2386268 |
| Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11bwgw7dny |
