Posted on 06/02/2004 4:43:14 AM PDT by Colosis
LONDON (Reuters) - Smoking destroys protective molecules in saliva and transforms it into a dangerous cocktail of chemicals that increases the risk of mouth cancer, scientists say.
"Cigarette smoke is not only damaging on its own, it can turn the body against itself," said Dr Rafi Nagler, of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.
Saliva contains antioxidants, molecules that normally protect the body against cancer, but Nagler and his colleagues have discovered that cigarette smoke destroys the molecules and turns saliva into a dangerous compound.
"Our study shows that once exposed to cigarette smoke, our normally healthy saliva not only loses its beneficial qualities but it turns traitor and actually aids in destroying the cells of the mouth and oral cavity," he added.
In research reported in the British Journal of Cancer on Wednesday, Nagler and his team studied the impact of cigarette smoke on cancerous cells in the laboratory.
Half of the cells were exposed to saliva exposed to cigarette smoke and the other half just to the smoke. Cells exposed to the saliva mixture had more damage and it increased along with the time of exposure.
"Most people will find it very shocking that the mixture of saliva and smoke is actually more lethal to cells in the mouth than cigarette smoke alone," Nagler added in a statement.
Smoking and drinking are the leading causes of head and neck or oral cancers, which includes cancer of the lip, mouth, tongue, gums, larynx and pharynx. Nearly 400,000 new cases of the illness are diagnosed worldwide each year with the majority in developing countries. The five-year survival rates are less than 50 percent.
Nagler and his colleagues believe the research could open up new avenues to develop better treatments to prevent oral cancer.
"This insight into how mouth cancer can develop offers more reasons for smokers to try and quit," said Jean King, of Cancer Research UK, which publishes the journal. "People know the link with lung cancer and this research adds compelling evidence about the damage smoking can do to the mouth."
Nice post,laredo44 !
I'm merely rejoicing in a policy that annoys you at this point.
The public had nothing to do with the rule change. It was strictly government which I agree is wrong. At the same time I am happy that I can now breathe everywhere indoors in NYC. While I'm not of the opinion that the government should be doing this you won't hear me protesting something that makes me healthier and happier in this case.
Seat belts are within private property. Is it fascist to have such a law. Some people I know do feel that way.
Please follow the thread. I said "MY POST". I did not refer to the article. My post shows where your post is false, in addition to being a personal attack.
Maybe this one from Rand?
News Release
Santa Monica, CA Washington, DC Pittsburgh, PA Leiden, NL Cambridge, UK Berlin Office of External Communications 703-413-1100, x5117 and 310-451-6913 FOR RELEASE 3:00 p.m. CT, Monday November 11, 2002 oec@rand.org www.rand.org
STUDY FINDS ONE IN THREE OF NATION'S CHILDREN REGULARLY EXPOSED TO TOBACCO SMOKE AT HOME
Second-hand tobacco smoke threatens the health of 21 million America children - 35 percent of everyone age 17 and younger - who live in homes where residents or visitors smoke once a week or more, according to a study published today by researchers from RAND and UCLA.
The study is the most thorough ever conducted of youths' exposure to environmental second-hand tobacco smoke at home. It found that 19 million American children - 28 percent of everyone in the United States 17 and younger - are exposed to tobacco smoke at home on a daily basis.
I find a Fascist policy to be more than annoying, I find it evil. Your regoicing in it shows you to be another "conservative" of convenience. Your wish to be annoying is why we have the term of "gnatzie". For you it is a fitting title.
Those smoking 25 or more cigarettes a day have a 25x greater chance of lung cancer than non-smokers.
So is drinking while driving.
"The public had nothing to do with the rule change. It was strictly government which I agree is wrong."
Do you realize the ignorance you convey in such statements. The actions of the government are actions of the public.
"While I'm not of the opinion that the government should be doing this you won't hear me protesting something that makes me healthier and happier in this case."
Convenient conservatism, a true pillar in our political arena. I see no difference between you and the extreme left that wants to dictate where prayer can or can not take place. Just different agendas, but the same actions to reach their preferred end.
Freedom is for all, not just for you, that means you will have to allow others to participate in speech, activities, religieons, etc. that you may not agree with.
"Those smoking 25 or more cigarettes a day have a 25x greater chance of lung cancer than non-smokers."
Provide proof for your baseless claim.
As I see it, the government is the public, or should be.
What is your figure? 10x, 15x?
Seems like a nit to me. The car is on a public highway. The rules for using that highway should be determined by the public. If you don't agree with the rules, don't use the road.
Is it fascist to have such a law.
I would use the term "tyrannical" rather than "fascist". Tyrannical in the sense that power is being wielded illegitimately. I believe the right to liberty means I have the ability to act as I see fit on my own property.
Some people I know do feel that way.
While I, also am offended by nanny statism, with respect to what is permissible in public venues, I believe they are acting within their powers to circumscribe certain behaviors.
I didn't make the claim, and I don't claim to have a figure. Now how about proving your claim.
This is a statement of exposure. So what. Their assertion that the children's health is threatened, without foundation, is what is problematic.
Ok. Then we can take mine as the only submitted value. Heavey smokers are 25x more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers.
I can't believe this arguement is still going on.......sheesh
http://faculty.washington.edu/kepeter/118/notes/lung-diseases.htm
Cigarette Smoking:
10-25X greater risk of developing lung cancer (deeper types with filter cigarettes)
even higher risk to women
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