Don't assume you're safe just because you're inside. The air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.

Your lungs are remarkable organs with multiple roles. Each day, up to 2,300 gallons of air pass through your lungs.

Secondhand smoke threatens everyone who inhales it, especially kids. Secondhand smoke is not only smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar, but also smoke exhaled by smokers.

If you don't use a respirator, respiratory hazards can damage your respiratory system.

You may think that willpower is all it takes to quit smoking. But the truth is that it takes much more. It also takes planning, support, coping, and changes to your daily routine.

Usually people try to quit several times before finally succeeding. The good news is that each time you try to quit, you will be stronger and closer to quitting for good.

Once you’re addicted to smoking you will always be addicted. The strength of the addiction will gradually decrease, however, and now you are a recovering addict. Many recent ex-smokers have been lulled into a false sense of security.

If you slip and smoke, don't be discouraged. Many former smokers tried to stop several times before they finally succeeded. Here's what to do.

When you smoke, toxins are carried by your blood to every organ in your body. At the same time, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke keeps red blood cells from carrying as much oxygen as normal.

“Quitting smoking was just about the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” says S. Epatha Merkerson. “But the struggle was certainly worth it."