Smoking and Lung Function: Taxing the lungs

Abstract

The cigarette / bidi smoke is a heterogeneous aerosol produced by the incomplete combustion of the tobacco leaf. Smoking is the primary causal factor for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, nearly 80% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and for early cardiovascular disease and deaths.6 COPD is an important cause of morbidity and mortality being listed currently as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and estimated to register an even further increase by 2020. India is one of the countries identified to have a significant increase in the burden of tobacco related mortality.  J Med Sci.2009;12(2):34-36