Effects of Smoking

Chelsea Law and Anuka Mahabirsingh

Table of Contents
Chemicals Found In Cigarette Smoke
-acetone -methanol
-acetic acid -nicotine
-ammonia -tar
-arsenic -toluene
-benzene -nitrosamines
-butane -polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
-cadmium -hydrogen cyanide
-carbon monoxide -acetaldehyde
-formaldehyde
-hexamine
-lead
-naphthalene

Done by Chelsea Law 2

 Effects of Tar
Tar can be found in tobacco smoke and it contains most of the cancer-causing

chemicals. Tar tends to damage the human’s lungs over time, it tends to form a

sticky layer inside the lungs. It can also damage inside the mouth by blackening and

rotting teeth, desensitizing taste buds and damaging gums. Tar tends to damage

the lungs and can possibly lead to several cancers such as mouth, throat and lungs.

It can also lead to emphysema and many other lung problems.

Done by Chelsea Law 3

 Effects of Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant and a sedative. When exposed to it your body experiences a

kick which is caused by the nicotine stimulating adrenal glands. This then causes an

increase in heart rate, breathing and release of glucose. It can also cause a spike in

blood pressure and the flow of blood to the heart. Nicotine also contributes to

narrowing of the arteries and hardening of the arterial walls this may lead to heart

attacks.

Done by Chelsea Law 4

 Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System
Smoking leads to lung disease, it causes severe damage to the walls of your alveoli.

This causes them to break down and join together which forms larger air spaces,

reducing the rate of gaseous exchange. Some effects also include irritation of the

trachea and the larynx. It reduces lung function and swelling and narrowing of the

lung airways which causes breathlessness. Tobacco contains many carcinogens

which causes lung cancer.

Done by Chelsea Law 5

 Effects of Smoking on the Circulatory System
Smoking has many harmful effects on the cardiovascular. Several ingredients in

tobacco can cause an increase in oxidative stress, raises your cholesterol,

endothelial damage and dysfunction. Some effects include raised blood pressure,

and heart rate. It can also lead to constriction of blood vessels in the skin resulting

in a drop in temperature. It leads to less oxygen being carried by the blood during

exercise. Your blood tends to become thicker which leads to clotting, increases the

risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Done by Chelsea Law 6

Effects of Smoking on Pregnancy and the
Foetus
Smoking significantly decreases the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. Second hand smoking affects both the

pregnant woman and foetus. Smoking and the chemicals present in cigarettes increase the probability of miscarriages

(losing the baby suddenly) and stillbirth (losing the baby after twenty weeks of gestation­– time spent in the womb).

Nicotine results in contractions in the fallopian tubes which then blocks an embryo from transiting, causing an ectopic

pregnancy; the fertilised egg is implanted in the abdomen or fallopian tube, which can kill the mother. Smoking can

cause placenta abruption, which occurs when the placenta is displaced before the baby is born. This can be fatal to the

baby and mother. Placenta previa is also caused by smoking. This occurs when the placenta occupies the space in the

lower region of the uterus, blocking the cervix which will cause difficulties in delivery. The placenta usually rips, leading

to a lot of bleeding. The baby will also lack oxygen and necessary nutrients.

Done by Anuka Mahabirsingh 7

Bronchitis
Signs include: Symptoms include:
-coughing -tightness in the chest
-wheezing -muscle weakness (in extreme cases)
-a squeaky sound when breathing
-the flu and colds (sometimes)
-weight loss, swelling ankles/feet/legs
(in extreme cases)
-shortness of breath

Done by Anuka Mahabirsingh 8

 Lung Cancer
Signs include: Symptoms include:

-a long-lasting, intensifying cough -constantly returning chest infections

-bringing up blood in coughs -pain when coughing or breathing

-weight loss -lasting fatigue

-lasting shortness of breath -loss of appetite

Done by Anuka Mahabirsingh 9

 Asthma
Signs include: Symptoms include:

-wheezing -tightness in the chest

-coughing at night, when -anxiety

exercising or laughing -tiredness

-shortness of breath

-difficulty in speech

Done by Anuka Mahabirsingh 10

 Emphysema
Signs include: Symptoms include:

-lasting cough (called the -tightness in the chest

“smoker’s cough”)
-lasting fatigue
-wheezing
-feeling as though one cannot
-intensifying shortness of breath
obtain sufficient air
during light activities

-a lot of mucus being produced

Done by Anuka Mahabirsingh 11

Bibliography/ References
American Cancer Society. “Harmful Chemicals in Tobacco Products.” April 5, 2017
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/tobacco-and-cancer/carcinogens-found-in-tobacco-products.html

American Heart Association. “How Smoking and Nicotine Damage Your Body.” February 17, 2015
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/how-smoking-and-nicotine-damage-your-body

American Lung Association. “What’s in a Cigarette?” June 13,2020

https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/whats-in-a-cigarette

Better Health Channel. “Smoking – effects on your body.” February 2019

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-effects-on-your-body

BBC Bitesize. “Respiratory system.

”https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6h4jxs/revision/5

Cleveland Clinic. “Emphysema.” July 8, 2019

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9370-emphysema

12
Health Science Journal. “Effects of smoking on cardiovascular function: the role of nicotine and carbon monoxide.” October 17, 2020
https://www.hsj.gr/medicine/effects-of-smoking-on-cardiovascular-function-the-role-of-nicotine-and-carbon-monoxide.php?aid=2732

Healthline. “What Do You Want to Know About Asthma?” May 7, 2020

https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma

Healthline Parenthood. “8 Dangers of Smoking While Pregnant.” February 27, 2020

https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking-and-pregnancy

Medical News Today. “Everything you need to know about nicotine.” January 11, 2018
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820

Medical News Today. “What Chemicals Are In Cigarette Smoke?” July 13, 2015
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215420#1

MedlinePlus. “Chronic Bronchitis.” August 3, 2020

https://medlineplus.gov/chronicbronchitis.html#cat_51

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. “Definition of Tobacco Tar.” April 5, 2017

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/tobacco-tar

NHS. “Symptoms Lung Cancer.” August 15,2019

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms/

13