The Issue
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful and can cause diseases, but what actually makes smoking harmful? If you said nicotine, you’re wrong. The answer is burning tobacco. That’s the real issue.
It may seem strange that burning tobacco is the main cause of the diseases that can be caused by smoking, but allow us to explain.
Burning: The Real Issue
Fire and burning have their benefits, from cooking food to providing warmth and even powering engines. However, when it comes to burning tobacco, it's a different story. Burning tobacco creates smoke which contains over 7,000 chemicals, some of which are toxic and harmful to our health.
Cigarette and tobacco smoke contains substances like tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens, which can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. So, while fire can be a force for good, when it’s used to burn tobacco and create smoke, it brings harm.
Burning tobacco is a bad idea, which is why smokers are always encouraged to quit as the first prize or to change to a less harmful alternative if they don’t quit.
When nicotine products don’t involve burning, the result is a considerable reduction in the total number of harmful chemicals, and those which remain are at much lower levels.
Nicotine: Misunderstood
When you think of the harms from cigarette smoking, nicotine is probably the first thing that comes to mind, often taking the brunt of the blame. But let’s set the record straight: nicotine itself does not cause cancer and is not the main culprit behind smoking-related diseases. In fact, when you take away the burning, nicotine has some surprising benefits.
Nicotine is a key reason why people smoke. It is a stimulant that affects the brain’s reward center, creating a temporary feeling of well-being and relaxation. Some studies suggest that nicotine can improve concentration and focus, and suppress appetite. Researchers also explore its potential to help manage conditions such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease due to its ability to enhance mental function and stability.
Nicotine does not cause cancer and smoking-related diseases. However, nicotine is addictive. It can also raise blood pressure and should not be used by children or pregnant women so it is not without risk.
Consuming nicotine by smoking cigarettes is the worst way because it is coupled to a mix of other chemicals which can be toxic. Consuming nicotine without smoke, such by using nicotine replacement therapies or smoke-free alternatives which don’t burn tobacco, is a much better way.
Discover helpful tips for quitting smoking, explore alternatives, and start your journey towards a better you. Together, we can make a positive impact—one step, one choice at a time. KAYA ‘yan!