Debunking Myths About Tobacco Use & Smoking

Despite years of research and numerous public health campaigns, myths about tobacco use and smoking still abound, leading to widespread misinformation and harmful practices. It is important to discuss these myths by offering clear, evidence-based facts and empowering yourself and others well-informed.

 "Light" and "Low-Tar" Cigarettes Are Safer

One of the most persistent myths is that "light" or "low-tar" cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes. Tobacco companies have marketed these products as safer alternatives, but this is far from the truth. Research has shown that "light" and "low-tar" cigarettes deliver the same toxic chemicals as regular cigarettes. Smokers often inhale more deeply or smoke more cigarettes to get the same nicotine dose, ultimately receiving similar levels of harmful substances.

Smoking Helps Relieve Stress

A lot of people think smoking helps them deal with stress. Although nicotine can temporarily make you feel relaxed, it also causes withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings, both of which can make you feel more stressed. Research has indicated that those who do not smoke or who have stopped smoking eventually report reduced levels of stress when compared to habitual smokers. Smoking creates the false impression of stress relief by momentarily reducing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, not by reducing genuine stress.

 Occasional Smoking Is fine or harmless

Some people believe it is okay to smoke on occasion, perhaps on the weekends or in social situations. But smoking even once in a while can have detrimental effects on your health. Even minute amounts of tobacco smoke exposure can cause respiratory problems, damage to blood vessels, and an increased risk of heart disease. No level of tobacco smoke exposure is safe, and even sporadic smoking can result in addiction and major health issues.

 E-cigarettes and Vaping Are Completely Safe

Many people mistakenly think that vaping and e-cigarettes are safe because they have been marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking. They carry certain dangers even if they might not be as dangerous as regular cigarettes. Along with other potentially dangerous ingredients, such as flavouring compounds linked to lung illness, e-cigarettes also contain nicotine. Although the long-term health impacts of vaping are still being investigated, data suggests that it can cause health problems such as nicotine addiction, particularly in young users.

Quitting Smoking Is Impossible

Many people are deterred from even attempting to stop smoking because they believe it is difficult to stop. Nonetheless, millions of people give up smoking each year with the correct help and tools. Prescription medicine, counselling, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are all effective ways to stop smoking. Although giving up can be difficult, particularly if one is addicted to nicotine, it is completely feasible to stop and has many positive health effects.

 Smoking Only Harms the Smoker

Another common myth is that smoking only affects the smoker. In reality, secondhand smoke poses serious health risks to non-smokers, including children and pets. Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals, and exposure can lead to respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer in non-smokers. Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for complications such as low birth weight and preterm delivery.

 Natural or Herbal Cigarettes Are Safe

Because natural or herbal cigarettes don't contain tobacco, some people think they're safe. These goods nevertheless contain hazardous chemicals that can hurt the lungs and other organs, and they still emit dangerous smoke. All forms of smoking emit toxic substances that can lead to severe health issues, and no substitute for tobacco usage is safe.

If You’ve Smoked for Years, There’s No Point in Quitting Now

Some chronic smokers think that since the harm has already been done, stopping will not reverse it. On the other hand, everyone can benefit from stopping smoking at any age. Blood pressure and pulse rate begin to decrease minutes after quitting. The risk of heart disease within a year is approximately half that of a smoker. Any age can greatly enhance life expectancy and improve quality of life by giving up smoking.

Dispelling myths about tobacco use and smoking is vital for public health. Recognising the truth about these habits can help individuals make healthier decisions and decrease the occurrence of smoking-related illnesses. It's important for public health campaigns and educational efforts to consistently tackle these misconceptions by offering reliable information and support, aiding people in quitting smoking and preventing tobacco use.

The author is  Senior Consultant - Medical Oncologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune

Dr Tushar Patil

Guest Author The author is Consultant - Medical Oncologist, Jupiter Hospital, Pune