Info-Station

Smoking and health

It is well known that tobacco smoke contains harmful substances such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide.  In fact, more than 7000 chemicals (e.g. cyanide, arsenic), of which at least 69 carcinogens (e.g. nitrosamine, aldehyde, chromium), were identified in the smoke. These substances will harm nearly every organ of the body and cause various diseases.

Nicotine - Addictive, narrows blood vessels
Tar - Carcinogenic, irritates airways, causes yellowish nails and teeth
Carbon monoxide - Reduces oxygen carrying capacity of blood, depletes oxygen, accelerates ageing

Evidence shows that smoking is a causative agent of many fatal diseases and cancers. It is confirmed that at least 10 types of cancer are caused by smoking. Besides, disorders and problems such as impotence, infertility, wrinkling, and halitosis can also be caused by smoking.

Diseases that are caused by smoking
Cancers Lung cancer, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer,  pancreatic cancer, bladder and kidney cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia and colorectal cancer
Cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases Heart diseases, stroke, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease
Eye diseases Blindness, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration
Respiratory diseases Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory symptoms such as cough and phlegm, tuberculosis
Pregnancy-related diseases Ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, congenital defect – orofacial clefts, premature delivery, miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy
Other diseases Impotence, infertility, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, ageing of the skin and periodontitis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis

Smoking would also bring about socio-economical consequences. Secondhand smoke from smokers will harm their family members as well.

For further information on the health hazards of smoking to health, please visit the following websites:

If you need any assistance or information on smoking cessation, please contact us at 1833 183.