Toxic materials in cigars cause disease and premature death.
Toxic materials in cigars cause disease and premature death, reports the new issue of theAmerican Association of Cancer Research Journal.
The study is significant because it highlights the high concentration of poisonous and cancer-causing agents found in individuals who smoke cigars. These tobacco users may not recognize the dangers associated with cigar smoking.
Cigar smoking causes cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus and lung, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, daily cigar smokers—especially those who inhale—are more at risk for heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Though fewer young people are smoking cigarettes, American high school students are twice as likely as adults to smoke cigars. Cigars are frequently cheaper and available in a wide variety flavors that appeal to teens and young adults. This combination of factors makes cigar smoking more attractive to young people. Cigars may seen less addicting and less harmful to them, since the products often come in candy and fruit flavors.
Stamping Out Cigars
Federal regulation of cigars is needed to eliminate flavored cigars and control cigar marketing to teens. Increased taxes would decrease their appeal to young people and reduce their health impact, from first- and second-hand cigar smoke. Such measures could discourage more teens from beginning to smoke cigars.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, disease and disability in US. Smoking results in more than 480,000 premature deaths in the United States every year—about one in every five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, for every person who dies from smoking, about 30 more suffer from at least one serious tobacco-related illness. That adds up to 16 million more people who suffer from serious illness caused by smoking.
Make your tobacco escape plan for the Great American Smokeout on November 20. Find free help with quitting any tobacco—cigars, cigarettes or smokeless–at the North Shore-LIJ Center for Tobacco Control.
This post was written by Patricia Folan, RN, DNP, director of the North Shore-LIJ Center for Tobacco Control.
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