Tobacco smoke

Composition of tobacco smoke

• Tobacco smoke is composed of liquid aerosol droplets, with a high concentration of droplets per cm.
• Cigarettes today often contain a filter that can reduce tar and nicotine smoke yields.
• Tobacco smoke can be categorized into a particulate phase (trapped on a glass-fiber pad) and a gas/vapor phase (which passes through the pad).
• Tar in tobacco smoke is determined by subtracting the weight of nicotine and water from the total particulate matter.
• Tobacco smoke contains various toxic chemicals and groups of chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, and harmala alkaloids.

Health risks of tobacco smoke

• Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections.
• Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease.
• Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome.
• Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Effects on the respiratory system

• Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and can cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Smokers are more likely to develop respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Smoking damages the cilia in the airways, leading to a buildup of mucus and impaired lung function.
• Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke can result in irreversible lung damage and decreased lung capacity.
• Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of respiratory diseases and improve lung function.

Cardiovascular effects

• Smoking increases the risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
• Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increased blood pressure.
• Smokers have a higher risk of blood clots, which can cause strokes and peripheral artery disease.
• Secondhand smoke exposure can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
• Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and improves cardiovascular health.

Impact on oral health

• Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
• Tobacco smoke reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing the body's ability to fight infection.
• Smokers are more likely to develop oral infections, bad breath, and stained teeth.
• Smoking can delay the healing process after dental procedures and increase the risk of complications.
• Quitting smoking improves oral health and reduces the risk of developing oral diseases.

Tobacco smoke Data Sources