Other risks caused by smoking

1. Smoking raises blood pressure, which can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) – a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.
2. Couples who smoke are more likely to have fertility problems than couples who are non-smokers.
3. Smoking worsens asthma and counteracts asthma medication by worsening the inflammation of the airways that the medicine tries to ease.
4. The blood vessels in the eye are sensitive and can be easily damaged by smoke, causing a bloodshot appearance and itchiness.
5. Heavy smokers are twice as likely to get macular degeneration, resulting in the gradual loss of eyesight.
6. Smokers run an increased risk of cataracts.
7. Smokers take 25 per cent more sick days year than non-smokers.
8. Smoking stains your teeth and gums.
9. Smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease, which causes swollen gums, bad breath and teeth to fall out.
10. Smoking causes an acid taste in the mouth and contributes to the development of ulcers.
11. Smoking also affects your looks: smokers have paler skin and more wrinkles. This is because smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and lowers levels of vitamin A.