nutrition and smoking v1 | Page 6

Smoking

Different carcinogens found in cigarette smoke and how it affects the function of the respiratory system

A cigarette is made up of certain elements that are dangerous to us and have negative effects in the human body like tar, carbon monoxide, free radicals, hydrogen cyanide, metals, and radioactive compounds. At least 69 harmful chemicals among the 250 known found in tobacco smoke can cause cancer including the following that affect our respiratory system:

◦Arsenic: A poisonous chemical used to kill weeds and pests.

◦Benzene: A chemical that is used widely by the chemical industry. Exposure to benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia.

◦Beryllium: A toxic metal.

◦1,3–Butadiene: A hazardous gas.

◦Cadmium: A toxic metal. It is a byproduct of zinc refining and is used to make batteries, pigments, plastics, alloys, and electroplate

◦Chromium: A metallic element.

◦Ethylene oxide: A chemical used to make antifreeze, to clean medical equipment, and as a pesticide. It is also found in tobacco smoke. Being exposed to ethylene oxide can cause lung damage, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.

◦Nickel: A metallic element.

◦Polonium-210: A radioactive chemical element.

◦Vinyl chloride: A substance used to make plastics. Exposure to vinyl chloride may increase the risk of developing liver, brain, and lung cancers; lymphoma; and leukemia.

There are many effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system like:

◦Irritation of the trachea and larynx.

◦Reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages.

◦Impairment of the lungs’ clearance system, leading to the build-up of poisonous substances, which results in lung irritation and damage.

◦Increased risk of lung infection and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

◦Permanent damage to the air sacs of the lungs.

References:

"Smoking - Effects on Your Body." Better Health Channel. State Government of Victoria, May 2013. Web. 07 Mar. 2014. <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Smoking_effects_on_your_body>.

"Harms of Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting." Harms of Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting. National Cancer Institute, n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/cessation>.