Despite the well-documented dangers of smoking, a surprising number of individuals continue to engage in the habit.
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 49.2 million adults in the United States, nearly 20% of the population, used tobacco products.
Tobacco use remains the top cause of preventable diseases and fatalities in the country.
Research indicates that smoking a single cigarette can reduce a person’s lifespan by about 20 minutes. Consequently, a standard pack of 20 cigarettes could potentially decrease a person’s life expectancy by almost seven hours.
A study conducted by researchers at University College London found that if a smoker consuming 10 cigarettes daily quits smoking by January 1, they could prevent the loss of an entire day of life by January 8.
If these facts aren’t enough to deter you from smoking, perhaps a simulation demonstrating its impact on your body will.
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A video on BioMotion 3D’s YouTube channel explains that smoking involves inhaling not just smoke but “over 7,000 chemicals each finding its way into your body.”
The video illustrates how these chemicals and the smoke reach your lungs, “coats your airways, burning the soft tissues and leaving a trail of toxins behind.”
“Inside the lungs, once clean and pink, begin to fill with sticky tar,” the video continues. “They struggle to take in oxygen and every breath becomes a little harder than before.”
Once nicotine enters the bloodstream, it causes the heart rate to increase almost immediately.
The simulation explains: “Blood pressure tightens, pressure builds, forcing your heart to work harder even while it grows weaker.”
The surge of nicotine also affects the brain by producing dopamine, providing a temporary sense of calm that quickly dissipates.
This often leads to feelings of fatigue and anxiety, prompting another drag from the cigarette.
The video also highlights the dangers of second-hand smoke, which can harm the lungs and hearts of those nearby.
For those seeking help and guidance for quitting smoking, the American Lung Association’s ‘Freedom from Smoking’ website offers resources and professional support.