Smoking – Seven Surprising Disadvantages
Many people are aware of the obvious health risks associated with smoking, such as lung disease and cancer. However, there are numerous other, less well-known disadvantages that can have a profound impact on both individuals and their wider communities. This article explores seven surprising and often overlooked drawbacks of smoking, highlighting how the habit extends beyond personal health to affect employment prospects, family wellbeing, and even the environment. In the context of the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to public health, understanding these hidden consequences emphasises the importance of comprehensive tobacco control efforts to protect current and future generations.
Cigarettes with Unusual Consequences
“Smoking is unhealthy” – this argument may not persuade a dedicated smoker to quit. However, these seven surprising disadvantages of smoking might just do the trick.
- Poorer Job Opportunities
Constant smoking breaks, a more vulnerable immune system, and more sick days — a 2013 American study found that smokers cost employers on average £4,000 more per year than non-smokers. The repercussions are clear: unemployed smokers find it harder to secure new jobs. Even if they do find employment, these positions tend to pay less than those of their non-smoking colleagues – at least according to a study by Stanford University in California. - Reduced Coffee Enjoyment
Taste buds in the mouth ensure that eating is a pleasure. In smokers, the sense of taste diminishes, particularly the ability to perceive bitterness. As a result, smokers often can’t fully appreciate the rich flavours in coffee. Additionally, smoke visibly alters the structure of taste buds. While quitting smoking can improve the sense of taste, it remains uncertain whether these damageings are entirely reversible. - Voided Genes
Many smokers do not consider their health as a sufficient reason to quit — what about the wellbeing of their children and even grandchildren? It is now known that smoking causes lasting changes to genes. For example, children of grandmothers who smoked are more susceptible to asthma, even if the mother did not smoke directly. - Altered Oral Microflora
Humans are not alone — countless bacteria live on and inside us. Smoking changes the composition of this micro-world, especially in the mouth. About 150 bacterial species thrive particularly well in the mouths of smokers. How these changes affect overall health is still under investigation. - Say Goodbye to Menopause!
Smoking impairs fertility — that much is clear. But it also accelerates the onset of menopause. Women who smoke typically enter menopause one to two years earlier. The bad news: passive smoking can also hasten this transition. - Sticky Smoke Residue
“Thirdhand smoke” refers to residual tobacco particles detectable even long after a cigarette has been extinguished. These particles cling to skin, clothes, or furniture. Therefore, stepping outside for a smoke does not guarantee safety — when smokers hold their child afterwards, the child is still exposed to toxins. Animal studies suggest that thirdhand smoke can be lethal. - More Aggressive Microbes
Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a serious concern. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, they pose a significant threat. Interestingly, their aggressiveness can be increased by cigarette smoke — researchers at the University of California observed that Staphylococcus aureus, a skin bacterium, becomes more difficult for the immune system to fight if it was previously exposed to smoke. Scientists believe this may partly explain why smokers are more prone to infections.
In the UAE
In the UAE, where health awareness and modern lifestyles are highly promoted, recognising the extensive non-Health implications of smoking underscores the importance of comprehensive anti-smoking initiatives. Increasing awareness about these hidden dangers can help encourage smokers to quit, protecting not only their own health but also the wellbeing of community members and future generations. Strengthening tobacco control policies and promoting smoke-free environments will be vital in safeguarding public health across the nation.