Smoking Damages Genes In Minutes--study

A new study published in the journal 'Chemical Research in Toxicology

,' issued by American Chemical Society, warns that cigarettes damage smoker's DNA within minutes rather than years, thus highlighting that it is never to early to quit.

In fact, the speed at which the damage begins is equivalent to injecting chemicals directly into the bloodstream.

"The smokers developed maximum levels of the substance in a time frame that surprised even the researchers: just 15-30 minutes after the volunteers finished smoking," the study stated.

PAH analyzed

In a first-of-its-kind study to determine the affect of tobacco on DNA, the researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis analyzed cancer causing chemicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are also found in coal-burning plants and in charred barbecue food, in 12 volunteers after smoking.

Lead study author Stephen S. Hecht from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis stated, This study is unique, it is the first to investigate human metabolism of a PAH specifically delivered by inhalation in cigarette smoke, without interference by other sources of exposure such as air pollution or the diet.

PAH are known to harm DNA, and are thought to play an important role in onset of cancer in smokers.

Harm within 15 to 30 minutes

Debunking the belief that smoking takes years to cause harm, the researchers found that PAH, phenanthrene, starts damaging the DNA within minutes, thus resulting in mutations that can cause cancers of the lung, throat, esophageal, and mouth among others.

"The smokers developed maximum levels of the substance in a time frame that surprised even the researchers: just 15-30 minutes after the volunteers finished smoking," the study stated.

The researchers added that since PAH diol epoxides are mutagenic and carcinogenic, leading to adverse health affects, the study should serve as a warning to all those who are contemplating to start smoking, or believe that first few puffs cause no harm.

Supporting their findings, the researchers pointed out that lung cancer kills 3,000 people each day around the world, and 90 percent of these deaths are due to cigarette smoking.

by: Ritika

POST COMMENT

The Tradition Regarding Tobacco Smoking Pipes Second- Hand Smoke is Harmful The History of Cigarettes Smokeless Cigarette Cigarette History The difference between Smokeless Cigarettes Smoking Cessation Hypnosis – Beat the Habit! Just one cigarette can harm DNA, Surgeon General says Easy to quit smoking with E - cigarettes Get your Trial offer of Smokeless Cigarette now Smoking Cessation Intervention E cigarettes Reviewed - Free Trial offers are available Beat your habit with Smokeless Cigarettes Smokeless Cigarettes Where to buy - Here!