Final answer:
Individuals who smoke cigarettes are typically referred to as smokers in sociological terms. Smoking significantly reduces the lifespan of smokers compared to non-smokers, is attributed to a range of cancers, and the addictive nature of nicotine makes quitting difficult. Non-smokers are also at risk from secondhand smoke exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The people who smoke around the world represent a particular kind of people. In sociology, we call them smokers. When discussing the topic of smoking, it's important to address several key points:
The Health Impact of Smoking
Approximately half of all people who smoke tobacco die from it. Long-term smokers can expect their lifespan to be reduced by up to 18 years compared to non-smokers. Factors related to smoking that determine a smoker's health include the duration and intensity of smoking, the age at which smoking began, and individual health factors such as genetics and lifestyle.
Addiction and Challenges in Quitting
Nicotine, found in tobacco, is a highly addictive substance, more so than drugs like cocaine or heroin. The addictive nature of nicotine makes it incredibly difficult for smokers to quit, even when they're aware of the health risks. However, upon quitting, a smoker's health risks begin to decline.
Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Non-smokers are not spared from the risks of tobacco smoke, as exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 30 percent. The two sources of secondhand smoke are the smoke emitted from the burning end of cigarettes and the smoke exhaled by smokers.
Smoking and Cancer
Smokers have a significantly higher chance of developing various types of cancer, including lung, throat, mouth, esophageal, and bladder cancers. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke are the primary reason why smoking causes cancer.
Smoking and Reproductive Health
Smoking also negatively impacts female reproductive health, leading to issues such as infertility and complications during pregnancy, including miscarriages and low-birth-weight infants.