Does smoking cause cancer?
Yes. Tobacco smoke contains at least 43 carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances. Smoking causes many kinds of cancer, not just lung cancer. Tobacco use accounts for 30%, OR ONE IN THREE, of all cancer deaths in the United States. Smoking is responsible for almost 90% of lung cancers among men and more than 70% among women, about 83% overall. Cancer of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, pancreas, and uterine cervix also have in common cigarette smoking as a major cause.
What in cigarette smoke is harmful?
Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds generated by the combustion (burning) of tobacco and additives. Cigarette smoke contains tar, which is made up of OVER 4,000 chemicals, INCLUDING the 43 known to cause cancer. Some of these substances cause heart and respiratory diseases, all of which are disabling and can cause death.
You might be surprised to know some of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke. They include: cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde, methanol (wood alcohol), acetylene (the fuel used in torches), and ammonia. It also contains the poisonous gases nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. Its main active ingredient is nicotine, an addictive drug.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/21/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 118
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,360
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $527.46
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 41 [B]Seconds:[/B] 42
