SMOKING: LEGAL BUT DEADLY - THE EPIDEMIC OF THE CENTURY.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594862418099

• Palavras-chave: Smoking; Nicotine dependence; Passive smoking; Electronic cigarette use.

• Keywords: Smoking; Nicotine dependence; Passive smoking; Electronic cigarette use.

• Abstract:

  Smoking is a disease that affects all age groups in the population, reflecting the high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Over the years, different types of cigarettes have emerged, attracting mainly young people. This relationship contributes to the increase in symptoms and predisposition associated with Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs), such as dyspnea, headache, cough and various types of cancer. This study consists of a literature review, in which eight scientific articles were used, as well as information from societies specializing in the subject and websites with generalized data, such as that of the Ministry of Health. Based on the data and results obtained, it can be seen that the habit of smoking, whether conventional or electronic cigarettes, exposes the individual to sequelae that can be irreversible and compromise the health not only of the smoker, but also of the community, since the people around them become passive smokers. Although this drug is considered legal, it is worth reflecting: is it worth keeping up this habit and running the risk of entering the statistics of incidence of neoplasms and contributing to the increase in the mortality rate projected for the century?