The dangerous toxins in cigarette smoke
PHOTO | FILE Most people who smoke actually know the dangers of tobacco use to one’s health.
Most of the chemicals we use to kill insects, and those in toilet cleaners, moth balls, barbecue lighter fluid and cigarette lighter fluid are the same ones found in cigarette smoke.
Most people who smoke actually know the dangers of tobacco use to one’s health. Statistics show that four out of five smokers want to quit. However, when they are ready to stop smoking, they may find that it isn’t that easy.
Quitting for most people can be difficult because nicotine, which is found in tobacco, is a very addictive drug. Within seven seconds of inhaling a cigarette, nicotine reaches the brain, and it affects the brain in the same manner as cocaine.
There are also about 4,000 toxins in cigarette smoke that are harmful to the human body. They include:
• arsenic, which is a poison
• ammonia, which is used in household cleaning products
• acetone, common in nail polish remover
• carbon monoxide, which is found in car exhaust fumes
• cyanide, which is a poison and is especially deadly in large doses
• formaldehyde, an embalming fluid
• methanol, a fuel that is used as rocket fuel
• toluene, an industrial solvent.
Another difficulty encountered by smokers trying to quit is withdrawal symptoms that include feeling irritable, tired or fidgety. Some people may find it difficult to focus and others may even get depressed.
However, these symptoms that can be eased using certain treatments and support systems. If you have decided to stop smoking, you have taken a major first step. And even if you have tried quitting and failed several times in the past, do not give up there are newer and many more services and quitting aids available now to help you quit for good.
Next week, we shall look at steps to take to quit smoking.
