Fact 5: Cigars and Pipes – Not the Safer Alternative
Many individuals mistakenly believe that cigars and pipes are safer substitutes for cigarettes. The leisurely puffing, the aura of sophistication often associated with them, might seem benign. But beneath this facade of elegance lies a harsh reality. Tobacco, irrespective of its form, carries risks.
Whether it’s a cigar, pipe, or cigarette, each contains an array of harmful chemicals. Cigars, in fact, can deliver nicotine as efficiently as cigarettes. While a cigar smoker might not inhale deeply, the nicotine can still be absorbed through the mouth’s lining. The sheer size of some cigars means they pack in as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes.
One might argue that pipe and cigar smokers don’t inhale as deeply, thereby sparing their lungs. While lung risk might reduce, it doesn’t vanish. Furthermore, other cancers become a concern. Oral cancers, including those of the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, and esophagus, become pronounced risks. Pancreatic cancer risk is another concern that can’t be swept under the rug.
Even if the lungs get a marginal reprieve, the heart and blood vessels don’t. Smoking cigars or pipes elevates the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The cardiovascular system doesn’t discriminate between the sources of smoke; it bears the brunt regardless. (5)
