No Amount of Cigar Smoking Is Considered Safe
Many people believe that cigars are a safer alternative to cigarettes, often justifying occasional use or the practice of not inhaling. However, health experts from organizations like the Mayo Clinic, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the CDC unanimously state that there is no safe level of cigar smoking. The health risks are influenced by the number of cigars smoked per day, the frequency of smoking, and the depth of inhalation, but even light or occasional use carries risks.
Even when the smoke is not intentionally inhaled, a significant amount of nicotine and other harmful chemicals are absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This oral absorption is facilitated by the more alkaline smoke produced by many cigars, which allows nicotine to be absorbed more readily through the buccal mucosa. This process is sufficient to cause nicotine addiction, a central reason why a 'safe' number of cigars does not exist.
The Real Risks of Cigar Smoking
Beyond nicotine addiction, cigar smoking is associated with a wide range of serious health complications, many of which can be more severe than those from cigarette smoking due to the higher concentration of certain toxins. According to OncoLink, cigars produce higher levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines, tar, carbon monoxide, and ammonia than cigarettes.
Cancer
- Oral Cavity and Laryngeal Cancers: Regular cigar smokers have a four to ten times higher risk of dying from oral, esophageal, or laryngeal cancer than non-smokers. The constant exposure of the mouth, tongue, and throat to smoke, regardless of inhalation, is the primary reason for this heightened risk.
- Lung Cancer: While the risk is generally lower for those who do not inhale deeply compared to cigarette smokers, it is still significantly higher than for non-smokers. For those who inhale cigar smoke, the risk of lung cancer is as high as for cigarette smokers.
- Other Cancers: The NCI and other bodies have linked cigar smoking to an increased risk of cancers of the pancreas, esophagus, bladder, and stomach.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases
- Heart Disease: Studies show that regular cigar smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Heavy cigar smokers are also at increased risk for an aortic aneurysm.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Regular cigar smoking is associated with an increased risk of chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, with the risk rising with increased inhalation.
- Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation: Recent studies indicate that exclusive cigar use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation.
Oral and Dental Issues
- Gum Disease and Tooth Loss: Chronic exposure to cigar smoke is a known cause of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
- Stained Teeth and Bad Breath: The toxic compounds in cigar smoke cause teeth to become badly stained and lead to chronic bad breath.
Cigar vs. Cigarette: A Comparison of Health Risks
It is often mistakenly assumed that cigars are a less harmful option than cigarettes. While some differences exist, the core toxic elements and health consequences are strikingly similar, and in some cases, more concentrated in cigar smoke.
| Feature | Cigars | Cigarettes |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco Content | A large cigar can contain as much tobacco as a pack of cigarettes. | Made with processed, reconstituted tobacco. |
| Chemical Concentrations | Contain higher levels of nitrosamines, tar, carbon monoxide, and ammonia due to curing and fermentation processes and a less porous wrapper. | Contain thousands of chemicals and at least 70 known carcinogens. |
| Nicotine Absorption | Absorbed through oral mucosa, even without inhalation, due to higher smoke alkalinity. | Typically absorbed via lung inhalation, though oral absorption occurs. |
| Frequency of Use | Often associated with occasional, celebratory use, but can become a daily habit. | Often used daily and habitually to satisfy nicotine cravings. |
| Risk of Oral Cancers | Significantly higher risk due to prolonged oral exposure to concentrated toxins, even without inhaling. | High risk, but similar to cigars for non-inhaling smokers. |
| Risk of Lung & Heart Disease | Daily and inhaling smokers have increased risks comparable to cigarette smokers. | Very high risk due to deep inhalation of smoke into the lungs. |
The Dangers of Secondhand Cigar Smoke
Cigar smoke is not just a danger to the smoker; it also poses a serious threat to those nearby through secondhand smoke. Due to their size and longer burn time, cigars can produce significantly more secondhand smoke than cigarettes. This smoke contains the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds that endanger the smoker. Exposure to secondhand cigar smoke can lead to:
- Increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmokers.
- Increased risk and severity of childhood asthma, ear infections, and respiratory infections.
- Higher levels of indoor air pollution.
Conclusion
While some anecdotal accounts or outdated studies might point toward minimal risks for occasional cigar smokers, the overwhelming consensus from modern health science and major medical bodies is clear: no amount of tobacco use is safe. The idea of a 'safe' number of cigars per day is a myth. The potent nicotine content, combined with high levels of carcinogens, guarantees that any level of consumption introduces health risks. For those seeking to mitigate these risks, the only truly safe option is to avoid smoking entirely. Seeking professional help to quit is the most effective step for those with a tobacco habit.
For more information on quitting tobacco, please visit the National Cancer Institute's fact sheet: Cigar Smoking and Cancer.
