There is no controversy about the facts of cigarette smoking. Each year more Americans die from smoking-related diseases than from AIDS, drug abuse, car accidents and homicide - combined. The age at which Americans start to smoke is getting younger, especially among females. There is no question that to quit smoking or to never start is the best option for a healthy life.
Effects of Smoking on the Body |
 Brain - Restricts oxygen flow; constriction of blood vessels in the brain can lead to stroke. |
| Lungs - Increases the risk of lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia from contact with carcinogens (cancer-producing substances) in cigarette smoke. |
| Heart and Circulatory System - Increases the heart rate, elevates the blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, contributes to fatty deposits in the arteries, and reduces the level of oxygen in the blood. |
| Digestive Tract - Increases potential for cancer in the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines through carcinogens found in cigarette smoke; increases the risk of duodenal and stomach ulcers by increasing secretion of digestive acids. |
| Bladder - Increases the incidence of bladder cancer through increased contact with carcinogens found in smoke (which are eliminated from the blood and stored in and disposed of by the bladder). |
| Female Reproductive Organs - Decreases fertility, increases rates of ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortions, preterm births; causes earlier menopause, increases risk of cervical cancer. |
