Smoking

It has been known for more than 40 years that smoking causes disease in the smoker. Proof now also exists that passive smoking is just as dangerous!

To help all staff and students see the value of this policy, we provide you with the following information regarding active and passive smoking.

Types of smoke

Mainstream smoke - this is the smoke directly inhaled from the burning cigarette
Exhaled mainstream smoke - this is the smoke breathed out by the smoker, from his lungs
Sidestrearn smoke - this is the smoke drifting from the burning cigarette
Passive smoking will consist mainly of exhaled mainstream smoke and sidestrearn smoke
Active smoking consists of all three types, thus giving the smoker a triple dose of smoke all the time

Effects of passive smoking on the body

bronchitis
pneumonia
chest illnesses in children
lung cancer
other lung diseases
cardiovascular diseases
irritation effects of smoke to eyes, nose, throat and airway passages

What does smoking do to my body?

A. Effects on my heart

increased heart rate
irregular pulse
increased blood pressure
heart attack
stroke
decreased oxygen supply
aneurism

B. Effects on my lungs

cancer
bronchitis, pneumonia, etc
emphysema
chronic obstructive airways disease

C. Effects in men

impotence
decreased sperm
abnormal sperm

D. Effects in women

high risk with contraceptives for stroke, heart problems
decreased fertility
amenorrhoea
irregular periods
osteoporosis

E: Effects in pregnancy

In the mother
- anaemia
- tiredness
- decreased appetite
- high risk for abortion
In the baby
- nicotine cross placenta - and breast milk barrier
- growth retardation
- increased lung problems
- increased heart rate
- decreased oxygen supply to baby
- abnormalities eg cleft palate

F. Cancers of

mouth
oesophagus
larynx
stomach
bladder, kidneys, pancreas, liver,
uterus, vulva, cervix
prostate, penis
blood

G. Other risks of smoking

fires and burns
poisoning
eyesight damaged
loss of smell
backache
skin changes (ageing etc)
snoring

Presently available statistics from the World Health Organisation indicates four million people annually die from smoking-related illnesses. This addiction will be the cause of 10 million deaths by the year 2020. Do you want to be part of this statistic?If not, stop now!

Guidelines to help you stop smoking

quit for yourself
it's not as hard as you think
know your addiction - the enemy
do it today - tomorrow may never come

If you are really serious about stopping, please contact us for more information.