Negative Effects of Smoking.

489 Words2 Pages
Smoking is an addictive, habitual drug which contains chemicals that negatively alter our mechanisms. Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide which combines with our haemoglobin and indisposes erythrocytes from carrying oxygen. This is why it is crucial for a pregnant mother to refrain from smoking as the foetus is reliant on oxygen from the mothers erythrocytes through the placenta. If the mother smokes while pregnant, the foetus can be starved of oxygen and which would result in a slow development and a low weight at birth. Not only does it deprive the red blood cells of oxygen, it also reduces the physical fitness of normal human beings. Toxic chemicals, such as arsenic and methane, paralyse cilia that line the sinuses and, most importantly, the bronchi and bronchioles. Cilia acts as a mechanical sweep to get rid of dirt and bacteria. Since the organelles are unable to perform this action, toxins and environmental pollutants remain in the lungs. These toxins then migrate from the lungs to other organs via the bloodstream. In response to the presence of excess irritants, mucus cells in the lungs are stimulated to produce more mucus than they normally would. This results in a unproductive cough, commonly known as bronchitis. Smoke also damages the alveoli walls which then results in alveoli fusing together and consequently produces bigger open spaces. This is then seen as a loss of alveoli. The person will be breathless after exertion as there is a reduction of surface for gas exchange. This means that the diffusion rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the wall of the alveolus will be lower which is the reasoning behind why the person will be short of breath. This is a lung condition called emphysema. Harsh chemicals that make their way into the blood stream will attack the artery linings. This increases the chance of atheroma which can inevitably
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