Author: Asst. Lecturer Basim Kareem Nasir

Smoking remains one of the most detrimental behavioral habits to public health, directly linked to increased rates of chronic diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Scientific evidence has consistently shown that tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, including carcinogens and toxins that negatively impact multiple body systems.

Firstly, the respiratory system is the most vulnerable to smoking. Inhalation of smoke damages lung tissues and reduces the efficiency of gas exchange, thereby increasing the risk of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.

Secondly, smoking severely affects the cardiovascular system. It elevates blood pressure, promotes arterial stiffness, and increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Nicotine, in particular, accelerates heart rate and contributes to physiological dependence, making smoking cessation more challenging.

Thirdly, smoking also imposes significant social and economic burdens. It generates high healthcare costs, reduces productivity due to illness, and exposes non-smokers—especially children and pregnant women—to secondhand smoke, which amplifies its harmful consequences.

From a preventive standpoint, research emphasizes that quitting smoking at any stage of life provides substantial health benefits and gradually reduces risks. Public awareness campaigns, smoke-free policies, and smoking cessation programs are essential tools in mitigating its prevalence and protecting future generations.

In conclusion, smoking is not merely a personal habit but a critical health, social, and economic issue that requires collective action from individuals, communities, and institutions.

Al-Mustaqbal University – The Leading University in Iraq


Smoking