In a study published in British Medical Journal (BMJ 2011; 343:d5506), it is projected that 40 million smokers could die from Tuberculosis (TB) by 2050.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily infects the lungs, but can spread to other organs in the body. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is contracted by breathing in the air droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person.

Smokers are twice as likely to contract tuberculosis and die from the infection than non-smokers. According to the study, many of the new TB cases anticipated before 2050 will be in Africa, eastern Mediterranean, and southeast Asian regions. In those areas of the world, there is a high populous and living conditions are not always sanitary. A high population in regions where medical care Continue Reading

Tobacco companies knew for over 40 years that cigarettes contained a radioactive substance, Polonium-210, a new study of historical documents revealed.

Scientists from the University of California in Los Angeles reviewed 27 documents released by tobacco companies that were not previously analyzed. The findings are shocking.

The study's lead author, Hrayr Karagueuzian said the companies' level of deception surprised him.

Tobacco companies knew of radioactive properties found in cigarettes as early as 1959. Not only were they aware of the dangers, they tested and found that snakes developed lung cancer as a result of exposure to Polonium-210. Continue Reading

Were Cigarettes to Blame?

Smoking is addictive and it kills. The chemicals entering the body cause a host of issues including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and multiple types of cancers. The effects of smoking were the center focus of a lawsuit against R. J. Reynolds, tobacco maker of Camel cigarettes.

Reinaldo Ojeda, son of Juan Ojeda, brought forth a lawsuit claiming that tobacco company, R. J. Reynolds' product was to blame for his father's premature death. Juan smoked two packs of Camel cigarettes per day. In 1991, Juan had breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 1996, Juan was diagnosed with lung cancer and died a few months later. Continue Reading

A small town actor and producer, Shafique Sheikh, in Malegaon, Maharashtra, India died at 25 due to Tongue Cancer from Smokeless Tobacco.

"Ye Hai Malegaon Ka Superman," translated to This is Malegaon Superman, Sheikh plays a spoof version of Superman who fights against an evil "gutkha king" who attempts to flood a town with a highly addictive chewing tobacco. While Superman fought against smokeless tobacco in the movie, Sheikh battled a soon-to-end fight against cancer caused by the same villain.

Sheikh began chewing tobacco at the age of eight, consuming between 30 and 40 packs per day until the age of 18 when he was diagnosed with oral submucus fibrosis. A chronic, irreversible precancerous condition effecting the jaw. In the latest stages, the condition prohibits the sufferer from Continue Reading

Pregnant woman dies in a house fire caused by falling asleep while smoking. Prepare your home and family to prevent a smoking-related fire.