What are the dangers of tobacco?

Tobacco is held responsible for the deaths of an average of 650,000 people a year in France and 6 million worldwide. That represents 10% of all deaths. The dangers of tobacco are numerous and genuinely affect health.

The dangers of tobacco for a smoker’s health

Tobacco reduces smokers’ life expectancy. Sixty per cent of consumers die from tobacco-related illnesses, and around 1 smoker in 4 does not live beyond 65. According to WHO figures, smoking 4 cigarettes a day reduces life expectancy by 4 years, between 10 and 20 cigarettes a day take 6 years off a life, and more than 20 cigarettes a day cut life expectancy by around 8 years.

Many smokers develop serious illnesses, as tobacco attacks the organs directly. Cancers (of the bronchi, throat, oesophagus, mouth, pancreas, breast, bladder, liver, lungs and more), but also cardiovascular disease and respiratory, digestive and ENT problems, are common among smokers, as they are among passive smokers such as partners and children.

The dangers of tobacco for a smoker’s behaviour

Beyond the problems directly linked to health, tobacco is associated with behavioural, sexual and fertility disorders, as well as cosmetic ones. Tobacco dependence can change the way people behave. Men may experience erectile difficulties, and women who smoke report fertility problems. Premature ageing of the skin, yellowed teeth, bad breath and brittle nails and hair are further drawbacks attributed to tobacco.

The other dangers of tobacco

Other, less visible dangers can also be observed. As the price of tobacco keeps rising, some people cut back on their budget for going out, for clothing or sometimes for food in order to buy cigarettes and satisfy their need for nicotine.

The damage is visible for the environment too, since cigarette butts pollute the planet. Plants, animals and housing are also polluted by cigarette smoke.

Finally, the heightened risks of tobacco combined with other factors should not be forgotten: drugs, alcohol, the contraceptive pill, a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and so on.