The nicotine is quickly absorbed, and within minutes the blood concentration of nicotine rises to a maximum and the smoker can feel the calming affect . This is apparent when mood, behavior, thought and physiologic function require the continued presence of nicotine to enable a person to feel normal. Smoking greatly increases a person's chances of developing coronary heart disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, cancers of the lung, larynx, esophagus, mouth and bladder, and it contributes to the development of cancers of the cervix, pancreas and kidney. In 1990, it was determined that 20 percent of all deaths in the United States could be attributed to smoking. In 1985 health journalist Jacob Sullum determined that 87 percent of people dying of lung cancer had been long-time smokers during their lives.
Most cancers caused by cigarette smoke are at increased rates among regular cigar smokers as well.
Sadly, smokers are not the only ones affected by their deadly habit. Those around them are also put at risk when they light up. Secondhand smoke contains oxides of nitrogen, nicotine, carbon monoxide and a number of carcinogens. Environmental tobacco smoke pollutes the air and has invited public concern as an environmental and a health hazard. In the 1980s, health researchers Joseph DiFranza and Robert Lew showed approximately 70 percent of children in the U.S. were exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes by at least one adult smoker.