Gemini what is the bad aspects of smoking?

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(I have battled cigarettes most of my life)

Smoking has an overwhelmingly negative impact on nearly every organ and system in the body, leading to a vast array of debilitating diseases, reduced quality of life, and premature death. It's considered the leading preventable cause of disease and death worldwide.

Here are some of the major bad aspects of smoking:

1. Cancer (Oncological Risks):

• Lung Cancer: Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 90% of cases.
• Widespread Cancer: It can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body, including the mouth, nose, throat (larynx and pharynx), voice box, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, kidney, bladder, colon and rectum, cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia.
• Chemicals: Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 69 known to be carcinogens (cancer-causing). These chemicals damage DNA and weaken the body's ability to fight cancer cells.

2. Cardiovascular Diseases:

• Heart Attack and Stroke: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It damages blood vessels, causes plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), makes blood "sticky" and more prone to clotting, and raises blood pressure.
• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Narrows the arteries supplying blood to the heart, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrows arteries in the limbs, often leading to pain, numbness, and in severe cases, amputation.
• Aortic Aneurysm: Increases the risk of a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the body's main artery.

3. Respiratory Diseases:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This umbrella term includes emphysema (damage to air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and excess mucus in airways). COPD is progressive and disabling, leading to severe shortness of breath.
• Asthma: Worsens asthma symptoms and can trigger severe attacks.
• Increased Infections: Weakens the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza.

4. Other Major Health Problems:

• Diabetes (Type 2): Smokers have a significantly higher risk (30-40% greater) of developing type 2 diabetes and experience more severe complications if they have it.
• Eye Diseases: Increases the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) and age-related macular degeneration (leading cause of blindness).
• Oral Health Issues: Causes gum disease (periodontitis), tooth loss, bad breath, and can reduce sense of taste and smell.
• Bone Health: Reduces bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures (e.g., hip fractures).
• Immune System: Weakens the body's overall immune response, making it harder to fight off infections and increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Reproductive Health:
  • Men: Can cause erectile dysfunction and reduce sperm quality.
  • Women: Reduces fertility, increases risk of ectopic pregnancy, and can lead to early menopause.
  • Pregnancy: Significantly increases risks for the baby, including low birth weight, premature birth, lung/brain damage, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Skin: Accelerates skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles, dull complexion, and increased risk of skin cancer.
• Digestive System: Increases risk of ulcers, Crohn's disease, and pancreatitis.

5. Nicotine Addiction:

• Nicotine is highly addictive, creating a physical and psychological dependence that makes quitting extremely difficult. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and intense cravings.

6. Secondhand Smoke (Passive Smoking):

• Even non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke face significant health risks, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory problems (especially in children). It contributes to tens of thousands of deaths annually among non-smoking adults.

In summary, smoking is a direct cause of a wide range of severe and often fatal diseases, impacting nearly every aspect of physical health and dramatically shortening lifespan.