yer that lines the airways, and cause the mucous membranes to make a thick, unhealthy mucus. In the lungs, smoke particles destroy the macrophage cells that move through the lung tissue eat bacteria, dust, pollens, and other foreign substances. Lung Cancer - Lung cancer kills more people than any other disease of the respiratory system and is also caused by smoking. The cells of any part of the airways may become deformed growing so fast that they use up all the nutrients needed by the normal cells to continue living. Cancer is deadly if not detected very early. Emphysema - One group of these diseases is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or C.O.P.D., which includes emphysema. C.O.P.D. is caused by long-term clogging of the smaller airways by poisonous particles such as those found in cigarette smoke or coal dust. The alveoli in a lung with emphysema begin to break apart and can no longer absorb oxygen, leading to gradual suffocation. As I sat across from my boss at work the other day, a flourish of hot air and smoke struck my face. The toxic smoke came from his stained mouth. The fumes from the cigarette he was smoking gagged me, forcing me to cough up the disgusting gas. Yet, I said nothing to him and acted as if it didn't bother me. I then realized how this happens far too often. Americans must not condone smoking by not saying anything, but take responsibility for their health and the health of others. People must convince walking smokestacks to quit this rude, and foul habit of smoking. The cost that smoking has on society far outreaches the $2.59 that people pay for a pack of cigarettes. It is estimated that each year over 100 billion dollars is lost to smoking on everything from lost productivity of smokers, to the wasted money on cartons of Marlbros. The cost of insurance also is increased because of smoking. Life insurance for a smoker is double that of nonsmokers, but it is also increased for non-smokers ...
