The story

Smoking is bad for you, and by now, most of us know it.

It seems that studies on the dangers of smoking come out every week. Just recently, after an article appeared in the journal Pediatrics, we were introduced to the concept of third-hand smoke, the potentially toxic residue that lingers in curtains, clothing, hair, etc. after the smoke itself blows away.

To recap: Smoking exponentially increases your risk of developing lung cancer (and other lung diseases, like emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and puts you at higher risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix and stomach. Smoking also elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and insulin resistance. And, as if all that weren't bad enough, it causes wrinkles.

Yet stand on virtually any streetcorner of any city or town in the United States, and you will see people smoking.

So, who exactly -- in the face of all the mounting scientific evidence, social stigma and legal bans -- still lights up? Read full article »

All About SmokingChantixCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

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