Smoking
There are many health risks from tobacco consumption, such as lung cancer, in which more than 75% of cases are caused by tobacco. Cancer of the respiratory system, which encompasses the bronchi, lung, trachea and pharynx, kills 11 Portuguese per day. Since 2002, the death from lung cancer has already increased 18.4%, only in 2010 took the lives of 4,000 Portuguese. In Portugal, around 3800 new cases are diagnosed each year, with only 15% being identified in an early stage. The vast majority of lung cancers are diagnosed in advanced or metastatic stages. It is a difficult cancer to fight, because the first signs are late, they happen when the cancer is already spread. Tobacco contains more than 4000 different substances, many of which are harmful to health. In smoke more than 40 substances capable of causing cancer have been identified. Substances that exist on both the tobacco leaf and the production process and on the chemical additives, leaf and glue. Of all the substances contained in cigarette smoke, nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are the ones that most affect the human body and cause more illnesses. Nicotine has several effects: Acceleration of heart rate (frequency), Increased blood pressure and production of hormones, Constriction (narrowing) of small blood vessels under the skin, Changes in blood composition and metabolism. the most serious consequence of this set of effects caused by the action of nicotine, is the occurrence of a myocardial infarction (commonly referred to as a heart attack). Carbon monoxide is especially harmful during pregnancy because it reduces the amount of oxygen that should be transported to the uterus and fetus, causing abnormalities in the baby's growth. Tar is made up of a set of carcinogenic compounds and other irritants to the airways. 70% of the cigarette smoke tar is deposited in the lungs. Irritant substances present in cigarette smoke can lead to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Smoking is admittedly a chronic disease - resulting from nicotine addiction - and a risk factor for about 50 diseases, including cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to being associated with chronic non-communicable diseases, smoking is also an important risk factor for the development of other diseases, such as tuberculosis, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal ulcer, sexual impotence, infertility in women and men, osteoporosis, cataract, among other diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, accounting for 63% of deaths related to chronic non-communicable diseases. Of these, smoking accounts for 85% of deaths from chronic lung disease (bronchitis and emphysema), 30% from various types of cancer (lung, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, stomach and liver), 25% for coronary disease (angina and infarction), and 25% for stroke (cerebrovascular accident). The WHO estimates 4.9 million annual deaths; This number will increase to 10 million annual deaths by the year 2030. The life of ex-smokers after the last cigarette: In 20 minutes the tension goes down to the value before the last cigarette, the temperature of the feet and hands goes up to the normal value . In 8 hours does not get toxic carbon monoxide in the blood, the smoker's breathing tends to disappear. In 2 days the senses of smell and taste will refine again. In 3 days the breathing improves remarkably. In 3 months blood circulation improves, lung capacity increased by about 30%, walking will be easier. In 9 months fewer infections, respiratory difficulties disappear, the yield improves. In 1 year the risk of cardiovascular disease will have halved as compared to smokers. In 5 years the risk of stroke decreases. In 10 years the risk of lung cancer equals a non-smoker. In 15 years the risk of stroke and stroke equals a non-smoker.