FIGURE 33–19 Secondhand Smoke Effects Smokers not only put their own health at risk, but also the health of their family and friends exposed to their smoke.
ddddOther Effects of Smoking Smoking also has very negative effects on the circulatory system. For example, it raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, which forces the heart to work harder to deliver enough oxygen.
Nonsmokers exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke are also at greater risk for respiratory and circulatory system disease. Inhaling the smoke of others is particularly dangerous for young children because their lungs are still developing. Studies now indicate that children of smokers are twice as likely as children of nonsmokers to develop asthma or other respiratory problems. Pregnant women who smoke place their babies at risk for many complications, some of which can lead to lifelong problems.
Whatever the age of a smoker, and no matter how long that person has smoked, his or her health can be improved by quitting. Nicotine is a powerful drug with strong addictive qualities that make it very difficult to quit smoking. Considering the medical dangers and the powerful addiction, the best solution is not to start smoking.
MYSTERY CLUE
John's doctor told him that if he hadn't stopped smoking, he probably would never have lived past age 50. Explain the doctor's reasoning.
33.3 Assessment
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Review Explain the function of the respiratory system.
Use Analogies Explain how a molecule of oxygen flowing through the respiratory system is like a commuter driving home from work.
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Review Describe the process of gas exchange in the lungs.
Relate Cause and Effect Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, binds to hemoglobin more easily than oxygen does. Based on this information, why do you think that carbon monoxide alarms in homes have saved many lives?
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Review Explain the process of breathing.
Infer The brain's breathing center responds to the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, not the level of oxygen. What consequences could this have for people at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are low?
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Review Describe the effects of smoking on the respiratory system.
Apply Concepts People with emphysema cannot exhale as much carbon dioxide as people with healthy lungs can. Why do you think this leaves them short of breath?
Apply the Big idea
Compare and contrast human respiration with what you learned about respiration in birds and fish in Chapter 27.
Table of Contents
- Formulas and Equations
- Applying Formulas and Equations
- Mean, Median, and Mode
- Estimation
- Using Measurements in Calculations
- Effects of Measurement Errors
- Accuracy
- Precision
- Comparing Accuracy and Precision
- Significant Figures
- Calculating With Significant Figures
- Scientific Notation
- Calculating With Scientific Notation
- Dimensional Analysis
- Applying Dimensional Analysis