FAQs on Smoking

Is there conclusive evidence that cigarette smoking causes diseases?

Yes, this is absolutely true.

Experts have proven conclusively that smoking is a major cause of many diseases including: - cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix and breast - heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and blood vessel disease - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Is smoking addictive?

Yes. Cigarettes contain nicotine which is a very addictive substance hence you can get addicted after smoking just a few cigarettes.

Will the smoker be at risk if he/she puffs the cigarette without inhaling the smoke?

Yes, many chemicals in the cigarette smoke (including nicotine) can be absorbed through the mouth, nose and even the skin. Smoke blown out also stays in the surrounding air and when the smoker takes his/her next breath, it goes straight back into the lungs.

Do filters reduce the dangers of cigarette smoking?

It is true that cigarette filters trap some tar, but they do not remove any toxins from the smoke from the smoke.

What are the effects of smoking when one is pregnant?

Many of the poisons in the cigarette smoke are absorbed into the bloodstream. When a pregnant woman smokes, these chemicals pass from the mother to the baby's blood. The baby may be born underweight, premature or dead. In many cases the child is likely to die in the first year of life. If it survives, it will have a greater risk of lung infections as well as poor physical and mental development.

Are "low-tar", "light" and "mild" cigarettes safe?

No, these products are falsely represented as being a safe alternative to quitting. They contain the same number of poisonous chemicals found in ordinary cigarettes.

What is the best way to quit smoking?

There is no single best way to quit smoking. Different methods work best for different people. But one thing all successful ex-smokers have in common is that they REALLY WANT to quit!

What are the various withdrawal symptoms that I will face when I quit smoking?

Most of the people who give up smoking normally have a grave difficulty in concentrating, dizziness, cough and a runny nose. You will also experience a strong craving for cigarettes for about two weeks accompanied by tingling sensations in the arms and legs. However, most of these sensations pass within a span of two weeks, so it is best advised that someone who has recently given up smoking stands his ground.

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a method to help people quit nicotine by providing them with a low, controlled daily dose of nicotine so that the body would not crave for cigarettes. At the same time, it also helps reduce withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, restlessness and depression that may be experienced by a smoker during the quitting process.

How can smokers deal with the urge to smoke? Are there people who just can't quit?

If you are trying to give up smoking, try to distract yourself with new and interesting hobbies . Preferably, stay away from people, places and situations which might tempt you to smoke. Clear your stock of cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays and if need be, you can even opt for some nicotine replacement therapy.