Smoking does far more than damage the lungs. According to new scientific findings highlighted by Dr. Péter Torzsa, Professor and Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Semmelweis University, tobacco smoke causes deep and fundamental harm at both the cellular and organ level — with effects that may even extend across generations.
While the link between smoking and lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is widely recognized, researchers say the broader biological consequences receive far less attention. Tobacco smoke contains a complex mixture of carcinogens that affect nearly every system in the body.
Recent research shows that certain components of cigarette smoke directly damage cellular DNA and weaken the function of a DNA repair protein known as XPC. This creates a dangerous imbalance: healthy cells lose their ability to defend themselves against damage, while cancer cells become more resistant. In addition, cigarette smoke can trigger specific cell death mechanisms, causing severe injury particularly in the respiratory tract.
The risks do not stop there. Smoking has been shown to cause genetic damage to egg and sperm cells, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage and birth defects. Studies suggest that if a grandmother smokes, her grandchildren may face a higher risk of asthma and reduced lung function. These effects are linked to inherited biological changes that alter gene function without modifying the DNA sequence itself.
Researchers have also identified lasting changes to the immune system. Although some effects on innate immunity fade over time, damage to adaptive immunity — the system responsible for long-term immune memory — can persist for years, even after quitting.
Smoking further disrupts the gut microbiome. Nicotine raises intestinal pH levels, altering the balance of bacteria. This may explain why smoking worsens Crohn’s disease while paradoxically easing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Hungarian researchers have also demonstrated how tobacco smoke contributes to the development of chronic pancreatitis.
The harmful impact of smoking extends into many other areas of health. Although nicotine can temporarily enhance cognitive performance, contributing to its addictive nature, it ultimately impairs attention and short-term memory. Women who smoke tend to experience menopause one to four years earlier than non-smokers. Cigarette smoke accelerates skin aging, meaning smokers in their 40s may have as many wrinkles as non-smokers in their 60s. Studies show that smoking increases the risk of hearing loss by 15 percent, and roughly half of bladder cancer cases are linked to tobacco use. Nicotine also weakens bones by inhibiting bone formation and calcium absorption, raising the risk of hip fractures by 31 percent in women and 40 percent in men.
Experts emphasize that electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not safe alternatives. The message from researchers remains clear: the only effective way to avoid these risks is to quit smoking entirely.
Source: Semmelweis University
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