Health Effects of Smoking and Vaping: Videos & Practice Problems

The health effects of vaping and smoking are significant and multifaceted, impacting both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Approximately 98% of tobacco-related deaths are linked to combustible products, with around half a million fatalities each year attributed to smoking. Notably, secondhand smoke also poses serious risks, leading to health complications for non-smokers who are frequently in the presence of smokers.

Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 identified as carcinogens, which are substances capable of causing cancer. Vaping, often perceived as a safer alternative, is associated with permanent lung damage and cardiovascular diseases. The heating process in e-cigarettes produces formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that is also used as a preservative.

One of the immediate effects of smoking and vaping is the constriction of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, carbon monoxide (CO) present in smoke impairs oxygen transport by displacing oxygen (O₂) in the bloodstream, leading to breathlessness and a sensation of suffocation.

Cardiovascular health is severely compromised, with smoking accelerating atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries, thereby increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Lung diseases are also prevalent, with tar accumulation leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

Furthermore, certain flavorings in vape products have been linked to "popcorn lung," a condition that results from exposure to specific chemicals and is irreversible, causing lasting damage to lung health. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, and it significantly increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, which is particularly aggressive.

Lastly, both smoking and vaping can lead to sexual dysfunction; men may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may face reduced fertility. The serious health impacts of vaping and smoking underscore the importance of awareness and prevention regarding these habits.

Smoking is linked to various health conditions, primarily due to its impact on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. For instance, smoking can lead to high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, as it causes the constriction of blood vessels. This constriction can result in hypertension and affect heart rhythm, leading to irregular heartbeats.

Additionally, smoking and vaping introduce carbon monoxide into the body, which displaces oxygen and interferes with its transport. This can cause breathlessness, as individuals may feel a constant need to catch their breath due to reduced oxygen availability. Fatigue is another common symptom associated with the inhalation of carbon monoxide.

Moreover, smoking significantly increases the risk of various cancers, including lung cancer, which is the most well-known consequence. It also more than doubles the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, highlighting the extensive dangers of tobacco use.

However, it is important to note that certain health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, are genetic disorders and cannot be attributed to smoking. Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene and is not influenced by environmental factors like smoking.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), commonly known as secondhand smoke, poses significant health risks not only to smokers but also to those around them. Each year, smoking contributes to approximately half a million deaths, with a substantial number of these fatalities linked to the effects of secondhand smoke. Individuals who do not smoke can still suffer from the harmful consequences of tobacco exposure when they are near smokers, a phenomenon referred to as involuntary or passive smoking.

ETS enters the atmosphere through the burning of tobacco and the exhalation of smoke by smokers. It is estimated that secondhand smoke is responsible for around 7,300 lung cancer cases and 34,000 deaths related to heart disease annually. This highlights the serious impact of passive smoking, which results in over 40,000 deaths each year.

When examining the types of smoke produced, it is important to differentiate between mainstream and sidestream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke exhaled by smokers, while sidestream smoke is emitted from the burning end of a cigarette. Mainstream smoke is generally less toxic because it has been filtered through the smoker's lungs, whereas sidestream smoke contains higher concentrations of harmful substances, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar, and carcinogens. This means that individuals near a lit cigarette are exposed to more dangerous components than those inhaled directly by the smoker.

The health risks associated with secondhand smoke are particularly severe for adults, with studies indicating a 20% increase in the risk of atherosclerosis and a heightened risk of all-cause mortality. Children are especially vulnerable, facing a 10% increase in respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as a 30% increase in the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Each year, around 15,000 children are hospitalized due to conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia linked to secondhand smoke exposure.

In summary, the dangers of smoking extend beyond the individual smoker to those in their vicinity, who are also at risk of long-term health repercussions from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Understanding these risks is crucial for promoting healthier environments and reducing the prevalence of smoking-related diseases.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), commonly known as secondhand smoke, poses significant health risks to individuals who are exposed to it. A common misconception is that a person sitting next to a smoker is only affected by mainstream smoke, which is the smoke exhaled by the smoker. However, this is not accurate. In reality, individuals nearby are also exposed to side stream smoke, which is the smoke emitted directly from the burning end of a cigarette. This side stream smoke is less filtered than mainstream smoke and contains higher concentrations of harmful substances, including nicotine and tar, making it more dangerous.

Both types of smoke contribute to the health risks associated with ETS. For instance, exposure to ETS has been linked to an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Additionally, children exposed to ETS are at a greater risk of hospitalization due to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. These conditions highlight the serious implications of secondhand smoke exposure.

In summary, it is crucial to understand that both mainstream and side stream smoke contribute to the harmful effects of ETS, with side stream smoke being particularly hazardous due to its unfiltered nature and higher levels of toxic substances. Awareness of these facts can help in making informed decisions about smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke.