No Smoking Lesson

Reading Passage

No Smoking Please

Have you ever seen a sign in a restaurant or hotel that says “No Smoking”? Have you been in public when someone blew cigarette smoke in your direction? If you want to stay healthy, choose to stay away from cigarette smoke. Smoking pollutes the body. People who smoke pour poison into their bodies — and into the bodies of people around them.

Cigarette smoking is the most common form of smoking. People who smoke inhale the smoke from burning tobacco leaves. Tobacco contains nicotine, a strong, addictive poison that speeds up the nervous system. One tablespoon of pure nicotine can cause death. Nicotine shrinks blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder than it should. Because of this, smokers are much more likely to develop heart disease.

The gases in cigarette smoke also take the place of oxygen. Without oxygen, the cells of the body cannot function properly. Tar and other chemicals in the smoke build up in the lungs and airways. Over time, this can cause serious lung diseases, including emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

People near a smoker breathe in secondhand smoke. This secondhand smoke contains the same poisons as the smoke the smoker inhales. Children who breathe secondhand smoke at home are more likely to have asthma, ear infections, and breathing problems.

Even though smoking is dangerous, it can be very hard to quit. Nicotine is highly addictive, which means it changes the way the brain works and creates a strong craving to keep using it. Many people who try to quit smoking need help from a doctor or support program. The best choice of all is never to start.

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