Smoking Cigarettes
May. 4, 2021
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Smoking cigarettes has been a widespread habit for centuries, but has recently become a highly controversial topic. The drawbacks of smoking cigarettes are well-documented and widely known, but there are also a few potential benefits that are often overlooked.
Drawbacks
First, let’s discuss the drawbacks of smoking cigarettes. The most obvious and well-known drawback is the significant health risks that come with smoking. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, and is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths annually.
Smoking can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- lung cancer(Estimated 90% of lung cancer attributed to smokers)
- heart disease(higher odds for female smokers)
- stroke(For every additional 5 smokes, your odds of stroke increase by 12%)
- respiratory illness
- other forms of cancers (throat, bladder, etc.)
- Organ damage (eyes, mouth and skin)
Smoking cigarettes is can also become a financial hazard as well 💲 due to being an expensive habit. The cost of cigarettes can add up quickly, and the long-term health costs associated with smoking can be staggering. Many insurance companies charge higher premiums for smokers, and smokers may also miss out on certain job opportunities due to their habit.
Smoking cigarettes also has a negative impact on the environment. The production and disposal of cigarettes both contribute to pollution, and discarded cigarette butts are a common form of litter.
Benefits
Gasp… there are some
Despite the many drawbacks of smoking cigarettes, there are a few potential benefits that are often overlooked. For example, some studies have suggested that smoking may have a protective effect against certain types of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Nicotine, the active ingredient in cigarettes, has also been found to improve attention and focus in certain individuals.
Research Dispute
However, it’s important to note that research on the potential benefits and the degree of the drawbacks of smoking is highly disputed. Many experts argue that the risks of smoking far outweigh any potential benefits, and that the best course of action is to quit smoking altogether. While the health risks associated with smoking are well-documented, the debate around the potential benefits of smoking is ongoing. Ultimately, it’s important for individuals to weigh the risks and benefits for themselves and make informed decisions about their smoking habits.