THE ANATOMY
OF SMOKING
How tobacco affects your body
AIRWAYS.
Delicate tissues in
your lungs become inflamed
because of smoking. This
can lead to serious dis-
orders, such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary
disease. Smoking can
also cause cancer
to develop in your
lungs, throat and
mouth.
HEART.
Smoking harms the cells lining the
blood vessels and heart and can increase the
risk of clots that cause heart attacks. Smoking
can also contribute to an abdominal aortic
aneurysm—the weakening of the major artery
near the stomach.
OTHER BLOOD VESSELS.
Damage to vessel linings
can cause them to narrow,
restricting blood flow to the
kidneys, stomach, arms, legs
and feet. This can lead to a
range of problems, including
pain and gangrene.
BRAIN.
Blood clots that form in
damaged arteries can travel to your
brain and cause potentially fatal
strokes.
BONES AND
TENDONS.
Smoking
increases the risk for
osteoporosis—weak
bones—and fractures in both
men and women. Overuse
injuries, such as tendinitis,
and traumatic injuries, such
as sprains, are also more likely
among smokers, according
to the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons.
IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Smokers have
smaller amounts than nonsmokers
of some types of cells that destroy
germs. That leaves you more vulner-
able to infections.
An Alabama
tobacco quitline
can also help you
quit for good.
Call
800-QUIT-NOW
(800-784-8669)
.
SMOKING AFFECTS NEARLY EVERY
PART OF YOUR BODY, INCLUDING:
SMOKING DATA IN ALABAMA
22.2
%
Adult smoking rate
26.8
%
Rate of youth age 12
to 17 who smoke
12.1
%
Rate of pregnant
women who smoke
Smoking-related
healthcare costs
$1.49
BILLION
9,300
New youth smokers
per year
5
