[Stu]

Originally Posted by Smithy

That isn't the problem with cigarettes

The chemicals in cigarettes break down the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, which means the diffusion pathway between the lungs and bloodstream is increased because the walls have been damaged, less oxygen gets into the blood which is why people suffer problems with shortness of breath...



So, yes, in short, any smoking is bad for you and damages your lungs, but If you're going to smoke, then it's better a pack a month then a pack a week I suppose >_>


omg, my education came in handy somewhere

Less chemicals means less breakdown. The lungs can repair themselves. It's one of the biggest reasons why doctors advise people to still quit because such good can come of it even if they were chronic smokers for years. You would want to have the most pissant lungs imaginable and some bad luck to boot if 240 cigarettes a year were to seriously make permanent long term inroads into destroying your health.

Besides cigarettes pose multiple possible threats of lung complications not just Emphysema which is the main problem in what you are pointing out. What makes you think my argument was only applicable to that?