What are the healthiest cigars to smoke for occasional users?
Cigar smoke contains harmful chemicals similar to those in cigarette smoke, and while cigars might seem less damaging, they can still pose significant health risks.
Smoking up to two cigars a day has been associated with minimal significant health risks according to a systematic review published in BMC Public Health by FDA researchers.
Despite being perceived as less harmful than cigarettes, cigars can cause lung cancer and heart disease over time, especially if inhaled deeply.
The fermentation process of cigar tobacco can concentrate carcinogenic substances, meaning that cigars can potentially deliver higher levels of toxic and cancer-causing agents than cigarettes.
Cigar smoke may be more toxic than cigarette smoke due to its concentration and the absence of filters, leading to higher exposure to harmful compounds.
Regular cigar smokers may be more at risk for oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth loss, due to the exposure to harmful toxins in cigar smoke.
Cigar smoking is typically not inhaled as deeply as cigarette smoking, which may lessen some risks, but even occasional deep inhalation significantly increases health risks.
The nicotine content in cigars can be much higher—up to 200 milligrams—compared to an average cigarette, which contains about 8 milligrams, leading to increased addiction potential.
Approximately 28% of high school students reported smoking cigars in 2022, which highlights the prevalence and potential initiation of tobacco use among teens.
Regular cigar smokers face elevated risks for cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity, with incidence rates being notably high among individuals who inhale smoke.
Cigar smoke leaks into the environment, producing secondhand smoke that is equally harmful to non-smokers, contributing to health risks including respiratory issues.
The FDA's position is that there is no safe level of tobacco use, and while the risks for occasional cigar smoking are less clear, the risks still exist and may not be negligible.
The perception of cigars as a more "sophisticated" form of tobacco use does not mitigate the health risks associated with their consumption, which include potential addiction and severe health consequences.
In their systematic review, researchers found that even infrequent cigar smoking can lead to developmental issues and risks for heart diseases over the long term.
Regular exposure to cigar smoke has been linked to an increase in overall mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the systemic effects of tobacco.
Factors such as the type of tobacco, the method of smoking (inhaling or puffing), and the frequency of use intricately affect the health trajectory of cigar smokers.
Understanding the "healthiest" option implies a relative comparison; however, all cigar smoking still involves the risks associated with toxic exposure regardless of frequency or type.
While some studies suggest that occasional users might have lower risks, the precise impact of infrequent cigar use on long-term health remains difficult to quantify.
Smokers who switch from cigarettes to cigars may still be at risk due to their smoking habits and potentially carry over the inhalation techniques learned from cigarette use.
There is ongoing research into the effects of cigar smoking on various health outcomes, and future findings could further refine our understanding of the risks associated with both occasional and regular use.