Why young people smoke

Department of Health and Human Services. Atlanta: U. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, ;64 38 —70 [accessed Feb 28]. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, ;69 37 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ;69 50 ;— [accessed Dec 17].

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ;— Published online November 05, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, ;67 22 [accessed Dec 16]. The health consequences of smoking—50 years of progress: A Report of the Surgeon General external icon. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, ;64 34 —9 [accessed Feb 28]. Adults external icon. Also beware of vaping. Battery-operated e-cigarettes use cartridges filled with nicotine, flavorings, and other harmful chemicals and turn them into a vapor that's inhaled by the user.

Some people think that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes because they don't contain tobacco. But the other ingredients in them are dangerous too. In fact, there are reports of serious lung damage and even death among people who use e-cigarettes. So health experts strongly warn against using them. Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke tobacco through a hose with a mouthpiece. Some people think they're safer than cigarettes because the smoke cools when it passes through the water.

But look at the black gunk that builds up in a hookah hose. Some of that gets into users' mouths and lungs. And since they don't have filters and people often use them for long periods, their health risks might be even greater.

Hookahs are usually shared, so there's the added risk from germs being passed around along with the pipe. Many of the chemicals in cigarettes, like nicotine and cyanide, are poisons that can kill in high doses.

The body is smart. It goes on the defense when it's being poisoned. First-time smokers often feel pain or burning in their throat and lungs, and some even throw up the first few times they try tobacco.

Smoking can affect sexual health in both men and women. Screening Tests. Diagnosis and Staging. Questions to Ask about Your Diagnosis. Types of Cancer Treatment. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment. Clinical Trials Information. A to Z List of Cancer Drugs. Questions to Ask about Your Treatment.

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Intramural Research. Extramural Research. Cancer Research Workforce. Partners in Cancer Research. Though teenagers may roll their eyes when parents bring up any issue concerning health or their behavior, try these strategies to get their attention:. For the latest news and information on smoking cessation, follow QuitSmoking on Twitter from the editors of EverydayHealth. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Stop Smoking. Reviewed: December 21, Medically Reviewed.