AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 3/16/2008 Subject: Smoking & Nicotine
Question Hello Michael,
First, I am a non-smoker but have often wondered why people smoke if it is so desructive to their health. I understand that inhaling smoke into the lungs is bad and smokers get tar buildup in their lungs. Well, if nicotine is the addictive substance, it makes no sense why they would mess up their lungs with smoke. How does nicotine compare to other drugs like caffiene. Is the nicotine a desructive substance By itself? It would make more sense to me if they just chewed their nicotine gum or took it in a pill form and forget all that nasty smoke inhaling.
Answer Hi Glenn.
These are great questions. Most people start smoking when they are very young. They try it and think they won't get addicted. But many do and then they have a hard time quitting.
Nicotine although it is very addictive, by itself is a safe drug. It all the other chemicals in tobacco that are harmful to the lungs and body.
Yes an addict can get nicotine from gum or a patch and this works to get most people off of cigarettes. But the cigarette addiction is complicated and many people find it hard to give up the habit once they smoke for a long time.
I hope this helps and that you enjoy great health.
