Final answer:
Tobacco smoke contains hazardous compounds like PAHs and N-nitrosamines that can cause cancer, respiratory diseases, and damage to most bodily organs. Secondhand smoke also poses significant health risks by containing over 250 toxic and carcinogenic compounds. However, quitting smoking can drastically reduce these health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
HAZARDOUS compounds in tobacco smoke, including carcinogens and toxins, are responsible for causing a wide range of adverse health effects. These chemical compounds, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitrosamines, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, can lead to the development of cancer and other severe conditions like immune system dysfunction, liver toxicity, and respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's important to recognize that not only direct smokers are at risk, but also individuals exposed to secondhand smoke, which carries similar risks due to the >250 toxic and carcinogenic compounds present. Smoking tobacco is also linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, and bladder, and introduces radioactive isotopes such as lead-210 and polonium-210 into the body.
Beyond cancer, smoking damages nearly every organ in the body, with long-term exposure leading to reduced lung capacity, chronic inflammation, and increased risks of heart disease. The addiction to nicotine found in tobacco complicates cessation, though quitting smoking can significantly reduce these health risks over time.