Risks to your health Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancers.

s. It also causes cancer in many other parts of the body, such as the: o mouth o lips o throat o voice box (larynx) o oesophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach) o bladder o kidney o liver o stomach o pancreas Smoking damages your heart and your blood circulation, increasing the risk of conditions such as: o coronary heart disease o heart attack o stroke o peripheral vascular disease (damaged blood vessels) o cerebrovascular disease (damaged arteries that supply blood to your brain) Smoking damages your lungs, causing conditions such as: o chronic bronchitis (infection of the main airways in the lungs) o emphysema (damage to the small airways in the lungs) o pneumonia (inflammation in the lungs) Smoking can also worsen or prolong the symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma, or respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. In men, smoking can cause impotence as it limits the blood supply to the penis. For both men and women, smoking can affect fertility, making it difficult for you to have children.

Secondhand smoke Secondhand smoke comes from the tip of a lit cigarette and is the smoke that the smoker breathes out. People who breathe in secondhand smoke are at risk of the same health conditions as smokers, particularly lung cancer and heart disease. For example, breathing in

secondhand smoke increases a non-smoker's risk of lung cancer by 24% and heart disease by 25%. Children are particularly affected by secondhand smoke because their bodies are still developing. For example, children under five have an increased risk of chest infections, and babies are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death. Smoking during pregnancy If you smoke when youre pregnant, you put your unborn babys health at risk, as well as your own. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, such as: miscarriage o premature (early) birth o a low birth weight baby o stillbirth There is strong evidence that smoking is related to many diseases and conditions. Many organs and body systems are adversely affected by tobacco smoke. Fortunately, most of this starts to reverse after a smoker quits smoking. All smokers are at extra risk for: Coronary heart disease (e.g., heart attacks) Peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems) Aortic aneurysm High cholesterol (LDL) Lung cancer Cancer of the mouth, throat and voice box Cancer of the pancreas Cancer of the kidney, and urinary bladde Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Pneumonia Influenza (the "flu") The common cold Peptic ulcers Chronic bowel disease (Crohn's disease) Tooth decay (cavities) Gum disease

Osteoporosis Sleep problems (falling asleep inappropriately and/or frequent waking) Cataracts Thyroid disease (Grave's Disease)