Weve known for a long time that smoking is one of the worst habits we can have, and that it wreaks havoc on our organs and general fitness. But we also thought it took at least a few years for its dangerous effects to take hold.
Well, now that understanding has gone up in smoke. According to a new report published in Chemical Research in Technology, the chemical that causes cancer from smoking actually forms much more quickly than previously thought. The scientists who conducted the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, say their results make even clearer importance of never starting to smoke and also dash any thoughts that a casual smoker is not doing anything harmful.
In fact, the researchers say their study suggests the damage begins just moments after the first cigarette is smoked -- much faster than you think. The study shows that the negative effects take only between fifteen and thirty minutes to take place. In the study, researchers focused on a carcinogenic substance in cigarettes, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAH. The substance is known to affect DNA, and is also linked to cancer.
Professor Stephen Hecht, from the University of Minnesota, reported: "This study is unique because it is the first to investigate human metabolism of PAH specifically delivered by inhalation in cigarette smoke, without interference by other sources of exposure such as air pollution or the diet. And he added, The results should serve as a stark warning to those who are considering starting to smoke cigarettes."
