It’s no secret: smoking is bad for you. Those who smoke and those who suffer from passive smoking risk having serious problems with the circulatory, respiratory, digestive systems, skin, hair, brain. Of these problems, at least, we are all aware: the photos on cigarette packets and the words “smoking kills” illustrate this in no uncertain terms. But in cigarettes there is a terrible secret that very few know. They can be radioactive.
A hidden reality
The study showing the presence of radioactive substances in cigarettes is not recent. It dates back to 1964 and is due to two scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health. If we know nothing about it, it is because the tobacco companies have covered up the issue, fearing the reaction of consumers to such news. This was announced by a recent study in the American Journal of Public Health.
Bad news for smokers because they could be taking this radioactive substance
Scientific studies carried out on cigarettes reveal that they may contain traces of polonium-210. This substance emits radiation, called alpha, which in some cases can damage DNA. Alpha radiation only works when ingested or inhaled, but this is the problem for smokers. By inhaling the polonium-210 contained in cigarettes, it is deposited in the bronchi and alveoli and can reach the lungs directly.
Because cigarettes are radioactive
To explain this phenomenon, scientists have come to two conclusions. Both involve the cultivation of tobacco.
- Polonium would be acquired from the air. In fact, around us there are small doses of radioactive substances. The radioactive elements would settle on the tobacco leaves, equipped with sticky follicles.
- Some fertilizers would contaminate the tobacco plants. They contain radium, which over time decays and becomes polonium-210. The roots of the tobacco would absorb this element directly from the soil.
However, further causes of which we still do not know anything are not excluded.
Possible effects and solutions
Separating polonium from cigarettes is impossible. Each attempt proved unsuccessful. This is bad news for smokers because they could take this radioactive substance without being able to do anything to prevent it. Aside, and this is wise advice, given the deleterious effects it has on our body, say goodbye to smoking once and for all.
Scientists still wonder what causes lung cancer in cigarettes. Polonium-210 could do this. In any case, given the large amount of harmful substances they contain, there are very few doubts about it: smoking is carcinogenic.