Smoking harms the genes in minutes

US study: Toxic substances of tobacco smoke spread within the body in minutes. Smoking can already damage the genes after a cigarette.

17.01.2011

US scientists have found that even the first pull on a cigarette can damage the genes. The poisonous ingredients of tobacco smoke develop within minutes of their health-endangering effect, the statement of the US researchers with reference to their current research results.

In addition to the already known negative immediate effects of the smoke such as irritated eyes, dry mouth and nasal mucosa, poorly perfused, dull-looking skin and a deterioration in the sense of taste, the US scientists have now in their study an immediate effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected. Within minutes of smoking a cigarette, PAHs have an effect on the body that can lead to cancer-causing genetic changes, said Stephen S. Hecht of the University of Minnesota and colleagues of the study's findings in the latest issue of the journal „Research in Chemical Toxicology“.

PAHs develop harmful effects within minutes
As part of their investigation, the US researchers added additional, labeled PAHs to normal cigarettes to track the path of toxins in the body of twelve volunteers. Their study showed that only 15 to 30 minutes after smoking pass until the PAHs in the blood to a substance that could cause genetic changes and cancer. The first pull on a cigarette is harmful and potentially carcinogenic, according to researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. According to Stephen S. Hecht, the PAHs in tobacco smoke are associated with lung tumors and at least 18 other cancers, with lung cancer alone causing about 3,000 deaths worldwide. Experts estimate that 90% of lung cancers, 73% of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and 65% of cancers of the floor and one third of all coronary heart diseases are due to smoking.

Genetic changes already after the first cigarette
The observed, within minutes occurred harmful effects of cigarettes, this would equate to a direct injection into the bloodstream, so the US scientists on. Already after 15 to 30 minutes the deadly PAHs would have reached their highest efficiency, emphasized the study director Stephen S. Hecht. The US scientists warned against believing that smoking could be stopped in time for serious illness. Because the genetic damage could possibly occur after the first cigarette, so the statement of the US researchers. Their study results should therefore be a clear warning to all people, so the conclusion of the scientists. In addition, Hecht and colleagues referred to the uniqueness of their current investigation. It was a novelty, because thanks to the direct investigation method, the effects of smoking on the human metabolism could be followed for the first time, without having to consider other factors such as air pollution and nutrition, emphasized Stephen S. Hecht.

Pollutants in Tobacco Smoke: Diverse Health Hazards
The study of US scientists is the core problem of tobacco smoking, because the intake of pollutants during smoking is enormous. Experts estimate that for a one-pack (20 cigarettes) daily cigarette consumption over a 20-year period, the individual's lungs produce a total of six kilograms of smoke and one cup of tar per year („condensate“). This reduces the life expectancy of smokers on average by six years. In addition, for example, the nicotine causes circulatory disorders and the carbon monoxide oxygen deficiency in all organs. Furthermore, tobacco smoking is considered to be a risk factor for a variety of cancers, including throat, laryngeal, oesophageal, lung, gastric, renal or pancreatic cancer. In addition, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, „smoker's cough“), Pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases are also favored by smoking such as potency disorders, strokes, coronary heart disease and heart attacks. In addition, the risk of peripheral arterial disease („Raucherbein“), other vascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, chronic gingival retraction (periodontitis), weakening of the immune system, premature aging of the skin as well as delayed wound healing also directly related to tobacco smoking. Age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in Europe) and irreversible brain function limitations may also be a consequence of cigarette smoking.

Not all smokers automatically become ill despite the negative effects of PAHs that occur within minutes. According to the US scientists, this is due to the body's self-healing powers, which can work well or less well depending on the smoker. However, the risk of a disease is still present after the first cigarette, according to the resume of Stephen S. Hecht and colleagues. (Fp)

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Smoking harms the genes in minutes