There are many smoking facts and myths that are making the rounds. This is because there are very many so called gurus that claim to have advanced knowledge about this addiction. Likewise individuals that have been able to conquer smoking would like to share their experiences. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However it is one that might cause challenges for the average citizen. There are some reliable sources of information such as the EPA which should form part of your reading. They will help you to get the latest techniques in managing your addition. The American Lung Association and the associations of Surgeon Generals will provide the public with scientific data. It can cover issues such as pregnancy and smoking. The end result of this information is that it might counter some of the myths that surround smoking at the moment.

Getting over the smoking facts and myths
You need to work on facts when giving up smoking. It is a tedious process at the best of times and you need to ensure that you are getting it right the first time. If you wait for sloppy seconds then you will be in a position where you do not achieve your stated goals. In general it has been agreed that cigarette smoking is one of the most important factors behind preventable morbidity as well as premature mortality within the United States of America. Similar are seen on a global basis. It is estimated that smoking related illnesses will claim the lives of four hundred and forty thousand Americans on an annual basis. Those are figures that are worse that accidents and AIDS in terms of mortality. The thing that is most frustrating is the fact that these deaths are entirely preventable if individuals stop smoking as requested by various campaign agencies.

The costs of smoking are quite large. Some estimates say that they add about one hundred and fifty billion US dollars to the healthcare costs in the USA. These are worrying figures given the battles that are being fought over healthcare. That money could have been saved for essential operations if the individuals concerned bothered to get the right treatment. In 2004 there was a study that was specifically aimed at smoking in the USA. The study was commissioned by the National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, a subsidiary of the Center for Disease Control or CDC. It discovered that cigarette smoke contains about five thousand chemicals and nearly seventy of them are known to cause cancer. Therefore is almost like a co-signatory to your death warrant. Women account for thirty nine percent of smoking related deaths.

Smoking has particular negative effects for human beings in vulnerable situations such as pregnant women and younger children. Passive smoking is very dangerous because it exposes the non smoker to the same risks that the smoker is carrying. For example a parent that smokes in front of their children will be helping them to get lung cancer. The facts are very stark and disturbing.