June 9, 2010
U.S. Cigarette Brands Can Put Smokers at Higher Risk
According to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. cigarette brands expose smokers to higher levels of cancer-causing agents than brands from three other countries. The newly published paper in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention shows these major carcinogens and cancer-causing agents in tobacco products to be tobacco-specific nitrosamines [TSNAs]. The study is summarized on the CBS News website at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/01/health/main6537898.shtml.
The CDC enlisted 126 regular smokers in Australia, Canada, Britain and the U.S. (specifically New York and Minnesota). All participants smoked one brand routinely, typically the most popular brands in their country. Minnesotans smoked Marlboro, Newport, Marlboro Light and Camel Light, while those in New York smoked Marlboro, Newport, Newport Light, Camel Light and Marlboro Menthol. Researchers determined how much TSNA smokers were exposed to by measuring the chemicals in cigarette butts after a day of smoking. They also used urine samples to learn how much of the TSNA was broken down in the body.
More Reasons to Quit
In addition to the risk of lung cancer, tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. Smoke from cigars, cigarettes and pipes can damage airway cilia (hair-like structures that help to clear mucus out of the airways). Tobacco smoke may also cause excess mucus production leading to airway inflammation, triggering an attack.
Second-hand smoke (smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker) may be even more harmful than actually smoking. The smoke that is given off the ends of cigars and cigarettes contain harmful substances such as tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide in higher concentrations than the smoke inhaled. This smoke is quite harmful to people who already have asthma, causing wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Lastly, second-hand smoke harms children with asthma more than adults. Children’s airways are smaller and therefore, increased mucus production can affect them faster. Early airway damage from second-hand smoke can affect their lung function later in life. These children tend to develop lung and sinus infections more frequently, making their asthma that much harder to control.
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