In the latest study published by the Chemical Research in Toxicology of the American Chemical Society on the effect of cigarettes on human health, it is reported that smoking starts to destroy a smoker's DNA within minutes of puffing a cigarette which

surprised many scientists. Scientists issued warning to the smokers that the habit causes immediate genetic damage and quickly raises the short-term risk of cancer. These findings should ring a serious warning to those who are considering to start smoking.

Cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes are a group of chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are known to cause damage to DNA and are therefore thought to play a significant role in the onset of lung cancer. Scientists labeled and traced a single PAH named phenanthrene from cigarette smoke — through the bodies of 12 volunteer smokers and were surprised to find that phenanthrene in the bodies of 12 volunteer smokers rapidly transformed into a known DNA damaging toxin which began to cause havoc on the DNA of the smokers within just 15 to 30 minutes after smoking. The chemical in the cigarette smoke is changed so rapidly into a DNA damaging toxin as if it is injected in the vein. Smoking has been linked to the loss of3,000 lives a day worldwide, mostly as a result of lung cancer.

Cigarettes should be immediately banned. Dr. Mohammed Rafique Uddin Tennessee, USA