Smoking addiction is harmful because it produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which causes
A
Reduction in oxygen transport
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B
Increase in blood pressure
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C
Cancer
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D
Retardation of growth of foetus
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Solution
The correct option is D Cancer Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs are a group of powerful cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes that can damage DNA and set cells down the road to becoming tumours. PAHs tend to damage particular sections of DNA. We know that PAHs contribute to lung cancer in smokers because DNA damage can be seen at these sections in patients. One PAH compound, benzopyrene, is notable for being the first chemical carcinogen to be discovered (and is one of many carcinogens found in cigarette smoke). Its consequences are so bad, even if the woman exposed to PAH pollution during pregnancy, then there is adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight, premature delivery and heart malformations, lower IQ and asthma. Cord blood of exposed babies shows DNA damage that has been linked to cancer.