Each cigarette smoked reduces life expectancy by 17 to 22 minutes, according to a recent study. This figure, higher than previous estimates, highlights the urgency of raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco.
Smoking, responsible for millions of preventable deaths each year, remains a major public health issue. A new study, published in the
Journal of Addiction, reveals that the effects of tobacco on life expectancy are even more severe than previously thought. Researchers analyzed modern epidemiological data to provide an updated estimate of the consequences of each cigarette smoked.
A revised and increased estimate
Twenty years ago, a study estimated that one cigarette cost 11 minutes of life. Today, researchers assess this loss at 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women. This difference is explained by more comprehensive data, including studies on female cohorts and modern smoking habits.
Research shows that the effects of tobacco vary by gender. Women, for example, lose more lifespan per cigarette, partly due to biological differences and specific consumption patterns.
The mechanisms of tobacco harm
Cigarette smoke contains toxic substances like tar and carbon monoxide, which damage the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. These compounds cause serious diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders, reducing both the length and quality of life.
And if smokers reduce their cigarette consumption, they inhale more deeply, increasing their exposure to toxins. Thus, the damage caused by each cigarette remains significant, or even worsens, despite reduced consumption.
A cumulative impact on health
Smoking not only affects life expectancy but also the years of healthy life. A 60-year-old smoker may have the health of a 70-year-old non-smoker due to accelerated organ aging. Chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disorders, appear earlier in smokers.
Quitting smoking allows a person smoking 10 cigarettes a day to save about one day of life in a week of abstinence. Over a year, this represents nearly 50 days of life saved, a motivating figure for those who wish to quit.
Immediate benefits of quitting
Complete cessation of tobacco is essential to maximize gains in life expectancy. Reducing consumption is not enough to compensate for accumulated damage. Indeed, going from a pack a day to just one cigarette only reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 50%. While this is a good start, it is total cessation that should be aimed for optimal benefit. Moreover, it's never too late to quit: studies show that even at 75 years old, quitting smoking significantly improves health and reduces the risks of serious diseases.
These figures remind us of the importance of prevention campaigns. Every cigarette not smoked is a victory for public and individual health.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND