Facts About Smoking
 

Studies show that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, smoking increases an individual's disk for heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. 

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. If you smoke one or to packs of cigarettes a day and have done so for 20 years, you are eight times more likely to die of lung cancer than someone who has never smoked.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death. COPD caused by smoking is one of the leading causes of disability.

Damage to the lungs from cigarette smoke can lead to breathing problems, chronic bronchitis, emphysema (COPD) and infections.

For a woman who is pregnant, smoking causes increased risk for complications including early delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome.

Smoking also harms nonsmokers by way of second-hand smoke. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke have more ear infections and respiratory infections than children who are not exposed to cigarette smoke.