Smoking and its hazards

Smoke harms many parts of the body. In the lungs, long-term smoking darkens the tissue with tar and the lungs lose elasticity, so people become short of breath, cough and cannot exercise as much; the risk of lung cancer rises. In emphysema there is lasting damage to the air sacs, the alveoli, so less oxygen reaches the blood. Carbon monoxide binds to the haemoglobin of the blood much faster than oxygen does, so the blood carries less oxygen. Nicotine speeds up the heart, raises blood pressure and makes the blood vessels narrower, so the chance of heart disease and hardened arteries goes up. The nervous system is also affected, with anxiety, trouble sleeping and concentrating, especially in teenagers. Smoking can also harm fertility, an unborn baby, the immune system, the skin and the hair. Nicotine reaches the brain quickly and gives a short feeling of well-being that fades, so the person craves another dose: this is addiction, and it is why quitting is hard. Cigarette butts also litter soil and water. For medical help, talk to a doctor, a parent or the school nurse.