Skip to main content
Back

Health Effects of Smoking and Vaping

NotesPracticeVideo lessons

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Health Effects of Smoking and Vaping

Overview

Smoking and vaping are associated with numerous adverse health effects, many of which are preventable. Tobacco-related deaths are primarily due to the use of combustible products, and the chemicals in tobacco smoke are known carcinogens that impact multiple organ systems.

  • Approximately 85% of tobacco-related deaths are due to combustible products.

  • Key health risks include cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and more.

  • Vaping is also harmful, though its long-term effects are still being studied.

Health Effects of Smoking and Vaping

Effect

Description

1. Blood Pressure

  • Causes increased blood pressure.

  • Increases risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Fatigue

  • Reduces oxygen transport in the blood.

  • Causes breathlessness and decreased stamina.

3. Cardiovascular Diseases

  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Lung Diseases

  • Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Increased risk of respiratory infections.

5. Lung and Other Cancers

  • Major cause of lung cancer.

  • Associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, and more.

6. Sexual Dysfunction

  • Impaired blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.

  • May reduce fertility in women.

Examples

  • Example: Smoking increases the risk of heart attack by promoting atherosclerosis and raising blood pressure.

  • Example: Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both forms of COPD.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

Overview

Environmental tobacco smoke, also known as secondhand smoke, is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers. It is a significant health hazard for non-smokers, especially children and those with pre-existing health conditions.

  • Involuntary/Passive Smoking: Inhalation of tobacco smoke by individuals other than the smoker.

  • ETS contains thousands of chemicals, including known carcinogens.

  • Annually, ETS causes approximately 7,300 lung cancer and 34,000 heart disease deaths in adults.

Health Risks of Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Population

Risks

Children

  • Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

  • Higher rates of asthma and other respiratory infections.

  • More frequent and severe asthma attacks.

Adults

  • Increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

  • Higher rates of respiratory illnesses.

Key Points

  • There is no safe level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

  • Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ETS.

  • ETS exposure is a major cause of preventable disease and death.

Definitions

  • Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

  • Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls.

Additional info:

  • Smoking is also associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, impaired immune function, and delayed wound healing.

  • Vaping products may contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals, though their long-term health effects are still under investigation.

Pearson Logo

Study Prep