Question

Why does smoking make your lungs go black?

A) Smoking makes your lungs go black because it deposits tar in your lungs, which darkens the tissue and reduces lung function.

B) Smoking makes your lungs go black because it introduces carbon particles into your lungs, causing discoloration and respiratory problems.

C) Smoking makes your lungs go black because it increases the production of melanin in lung tissue, leading to a darker color.

D) Smoking makes your lungs go black because it activates a chemical reaction that darkens the lung tissue over time.

Answer 1

Smoking makes your lungs go black primarily due to the accumulation of tar, which darkens lung tissue. This is compounded by damage to the cilia and the production of excess mucus, which affects particle clearance. Additionally, toxic chemicals in smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The discoloration of lungs in smokers is primarily due to tar, a sticky, black substance found in tobacco smoke. This tar accumulates in the lungs and causes the tissue to darken.

Moreover, smoking damages the lungs by destroying or paralyzing the cilia, hair-like structures that help clear particles from the respiratory tract.

The resulting mucus buildup and persistent coughing are attempts by the lungs to rid themselves of particulate matter. Smoking also leads to the production of more mucus, further hindering the clearance of inhaled substances.

Additionally, long-term exposure to the compounds found in cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide and cyanide, can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as these chemicals reduce the elasticity of alveoli, vital for efficient gas exchange.