Tobacco Smoking and the Youth

A few decades ago, it was reported that tobacco smoking can cause a wide range of cancers. The findings hold true even today. Tobacco causes more ailments than any other drug. The smoke emitted from tobacco comprises of a deadly cocktail of carcinogens. The nicotine found is cigarettes is addictive that makes it difficult for smokers to get rid of the habit. In fact, tobacco smoking is regarded as the major cause of preventable illness in the world. The biggest consumers of tobacco are youngsters, particularly those below eighteen years of age.

How does it begin?

It is often observed that tobacco smoking begins during adolescence. Considered as a status symbol or a way to relax, teenagers often get addicted to this habit by the time they enter their 20’s. Nicotine, which is a major component of tobacco is an addictive drug and is the reason for thousands of deaths every year. Studies reveal that use of cigarettes by 13-15 year old children often gets cultivated into an addiction later on in their life when is very difficult to quit. Tobacco smoking is not only harmful for the smoker but also has an adverse impact on others who inhale the smoke.

Chemicals in tobacco

Tobacco is a lethal cocktail of more than 7000 different chemicals. Some of the major chemicals are listed below:

• Carbon Monoxide: Present in vehicular exhaust fumes.  
• Tar: Bi-product released during carbonization of coal.
• Ammonia: Usually found is cleaning agents. 
• Arsenic: Main ingredient of rat poison.

The aforementioned chemicals will help in giving a clear idea as to what a person consumes while puffing.

Is there a safe method of smoking?

Those who are under an impression that there are techniques of safe smoking are wrong. Tobacco is harmful and addictive. Even if a person decides to quit smoking, there are chances that the drug will make him crave for more. Some people try smoking fewer cigarettes as a method to curb the addiction. However, research has proven that smoking even one cigarette in a day can cause a great deal of damage to the body and lead to respiratory ailments and even cancer in some cases.

Menthol cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes and natural cigarettes contain tobacco along with several other chemicals. These chemicals also referred to as carcinogens (cancer causing agents) damage the voice glands, esophagus, mouth and the throat of an individual. In addition, a drug called nicotine present in tobacco is addictive just like cocaine and heroin which makes smokers want more of it.

Smokers want to quit but cannot

Research shows that most smokers have tried quitting but unfortunately failed to do so, thanks to the nicotine addiction that makes them crave for more. Tobacco consumers are aware of the health issues caused by tobacco smoking but are so addicted to the drug that they cannot get rid.

Prevention is always better than cure

The best thing one can do is stay away from tobacco smoking and advice the same to their peers. Remember, passive smoking is as harmful as active smoking. It is also important to avoid all forms of tobacco consumption irrespective of how appealing they seem.