The Dangers of Smoking

Most people know about the dangers of cigarettes, but the damage goes beyond the person smoking. Smoking negatively affects the body, the people nearby and even the environment.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It kills approximately 490,000 Americans each year,¹ and the tobacco industry still profits from it.

Cigarette Facts

When burned, cigarettes release over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. At least 70 are known carcinogens, meaning they cause cancer.

Health Impacts of Cigarettes

Short-Term Health Effects

The dangers of cigarettes can show up in the body almost immediately. Even one cigarette can cause:

• Faster heart rate
• Higher blood pressure
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of taste and smell
• Eye, throat and nose irritation

Cigarettes contain nicotine, which reaches the brain in seconds. It can quickly cause addiction and make it harder to quit.

Long-Term Health Effects

The long-term dangers of cigarettes are serious. Smoking can lead to:

• Lung disease
• Several types of cancer, including lung, throat, bladder, pancreas, mouth and more.
• Heart disease and stroke
• Chronic coughing and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Infertility
• Diabetes
• Gum disease and tooth loss
• Slower wound healing
• Lower immune response

Nicotine also affects the brain. It can increase anxiety, depression, irritability and cause trouble focusing.

Secondhand Smoke Hurts Everyone

Secondhand smoke is dangerous. It comes from both the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by a tobacco user.

Even a short time around secondhand smoke can cause damage. In fact, 30 minutes of exposure can affect the heart similar to smoking a cigarette.

Secondhand smoke increases the risk of:

• Asthma attacks
• Respiratory infections
• Stroke
• Lung cancer
• Infertility
• COPD
• Bronchitis
• Ear infections in children

Cigarettes Harm the Environment

Cigarette butts are the MOST littered item in the United States. More than 750,000 metric tons of cigarette trash pollutes the streets, sidewalks and waterways every year.² The butts contain toxic chemicals that harm wildlife. They can take months or even years to break down.  

What’s Being Done

A few big changes have made a difference:

• In 2019, the legal age to buy tobacco changed from 18 to 21. This was known as Tobacco 21.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to require graphic health warnings on cigarette packs.

Learn More

For youth ready to quit, help is available. Visit TSETHealthyYouth.com to find free, youth-focused quit programs backed by science.