What are effects of Tobacco?

It contains more than 2000 compounds, among them is nicotine (addiction), potent carcinogens (polycyclic aromatic HC, nitosamines, aromatic amines). Risk of lung cancer related to pack years, contributes also to cancer of oral cavity, esophagus, pancreas, bladder. There is direct irritant effect on mucosa (cause inflammation and mucus secretion (bronchitis)) and recruitment of leukocytes to the lung (incraesed elastase and lung injury emphysema). Atherosclerosis and MI linked to cigarette (increase platelet aggregation and decreased O2 supply), maternal smoking leads to abortions, preterm birth, intrauterine growth retardation. Passive smoke inhalation more risk of lung cancer 1.3 times than normal non smokers.