Smokers Still Ignoring the Dangers

Take their chances: Why do people continue to smoke when the serious consequences of the habit are so well-known? Although it is true that not all smokers develop lung cancer, emphysema, or heart disease, the use of cigarettes increases the risk. Apparently, many smokers are willing to take their chances. Unfortunately, nicotine has intense habit-forming qualities.

Those who inhale are in greater danger. And, the hazards increase with the number of years the person has smoked and the number of cigarettes used daily. Teenagers who take up the habit should keep this in mind. Filters and low tar cigarettes help a little, but the latter constitute a small percentage of the market. However, even these types of cigarettes aggravate the heart. This is due to the carbon monoxide that is inhaled and not the tars. Filter cigarettes are of limited value because the best filter is one through which the smoker gets nothing but clean, fresh air.

Smokers who kick the habit lessen the risk of getting lung cancer. Furthermore, every month of abstinence lowers the risk. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk falls to the same level as nonsmokers within five years for one pack a day users. Giving up cigarettes is not easy. For many people, smoking has become a way of life. They use cigarettes to combat anxiety, depression, and emotional insecurities. Some believe that the desire to smoke is greater than the threat of a dreadful disease.