4.6.6

Lung Disease Data

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Smoking and Lung Cancer

Smoking can have harmful impacts on lung function. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemical such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).

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Bronchitis

  • When smoke is breathed in, it damages the cilia cells of the airways.
  • This means the cilia can't waft away the mucus produced by goblet cells, and the mucus builds up.
  • This can lead to bronchitis, where the airways are partly blocked with mucus.
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Cancers

  • The carcinogens can cause tumours to form in the airways.
    • Smoking can cause mouth, throat and lung cancers.
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Emphysema

  • Smoke damages the walls of the alveoli, reducing their surface area.
  • This can cause emphysema, where gas exchange can't happen efficiently, causing shortness of breath.
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Heart disease and strokes

  • Nicotine is very addictive and puts strain on the heart.
  • Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can also put strain on the heart.
  • Both of these substances can cause heart disease and strokes.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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