Ill-effects of tobacco smoking:

'Ninety pc lung cancer due to smoking'

The ill-effects of tobacco smoking is well-known. As No Tobacco Day falls on May 31, it is good to remind those who have not been able to give up this habit. Smoking causes thousands of deaths each year. Smokers are more likely to get cancer than non-smokers, the Public Education Committee, Sri Lanka Cancer Society said in a message marking No Tobacco Day.

The message said: "Lung, mouth and throat cancers are due to smoking. About 90% of lung cancer is due to smoking.

'The more cigarettes one smokes in a day and the longer he/she smokes, the higher the risk of getting lung cancer. Bladder cancer, cancer of the esophagus, kidneys, pancreas and different types of heart diseases are more common among smokers.

"Smoking has other risks such as fertility problems, asthma and eye problems. This is because blood vessels in the eye are sensitive and can be damaged by smoke. Heavy smokers are more likely to get muscular degeneration resulting in the gradual loss of eye sight. Smoking also increases the risk of cataract. It causes swollen gums and bad breath, and stains teeth and gums.

"Smoking also affects a person's appearance. Smokers have pale skin and are more prone to wrinkles because it reduces the blood supply to the skin and lowers vitamin A levels.

"Smoking causes an acid taste in the mouth and contributes to the development of cancer.

"There are other health related reasons to give up smoking. It affects not only smokers but also those around them. Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely with low birth weight. Children, who grow up in a home where one or both parents smoke, have the risk of getting asthma and bronchitis.

"Smokers feel more tired and get headaches often. When one gives up smoking, the general health improves. Their sense of smell improves. Giving up smoking means saving money. Research has shown that smoking reduces life expectancy by seven to eight years."