Why you should not smoke
Thousands of people die every year as a result of smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes. The combined effects of nicotine, (the main drug in tobacco) and other gases which enter the lungs when smoked, greatly increases the chance of disease and ill-health. Tobacco is a stimulant drug giving smokers a 'lift'.
Smoking has been directly linked to lung cancer, heart disease and other major illnesses, as well being dangerous during pregnancy for the mother and unborn child.
It is also recognised that secondary smoking or passive smoking can put the health of others at risk. This is one of the reasons why smoking has been so widely banned in public places.
Smoking and young people
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Statistics have shown that one quarter of 's 15 year olds (both boys and girls) are regular smokers. It is estimated that 450 children per day start smoking. Half of all teenagers who are currently smoking will die from diseases caused by tobacco if they continue to smoke throughout their lives and one half of this number will have their lives shortened by an average of 23 years. |
What Are The Costs?
Physical
- Wheezing, shortness of breath
- Lack of energy, poor concentration
- Dull skin, nicotine-stained fingers, premature wrinkling
- Reduced fertility, risky pregnancy, baby at risk
- Damaged taste buds, stained teeth
- Lung cancer, emphysema, stroke, heart attack - the list goes on
- Damaged circulation, gangrene, amputation
Social
- Polluting the air with carcinogens
- Children at higher risk of asthma, cot-death, bronchitis and glue ear
- Smoke gets in your eyes
- Dusty, stuffy home. Nicotine stains your walls as well as your fingers.
- Spoilt clothes and furniture
- Increased risk of fire in the home
Financial
- At today's rates, a 20-a-day smoker will spend £31,025 over the next 20 years.