Smoking and Disease

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING?

• First time users may simply feel dizzy or sick.
• Regular smokers often say it helps them to concentrate, relax, combat boredom and reduce anxiety.
• It also suppresses the appetite, so people often eat less.
• Effects start very quickly and can continue for up to thirty minutes from one cigarette.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SMOKING?

• Although some people smoke occasionally, most people become hooked and smoke regularly. If they don't smoke regularly they may feel restless, irritable and depressed.
• Coughs, chest and breathing problems, and bad breath are very common among smokers.
• Regular long-term users have much greater risk of developing lung and some other cancers, heart disease, circulatory problems, bronchitis and ulcers.
• Each year about 110,000 people die prematurely from smoking-related diseases in the UK.
• Smoking during pregnancy can damage an unborn child. It can result in low birth weight and other complications.
• Passive smoking - breathing in other people's smoke - can be damaging to health. Babies and young children may be especially susceptible to asthma and chest problems.
• The smell of smoke on clothes and hair.