Lagos – Dr Patrick Okoh, a Neurologist with Alpha Medcare Centre, a research centre in Iba, Lagos, said inhaling of smoke in any form was dangerous to health and capable of causing loss of memory.
Okoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that the inhaled smoke could be from a car’s exhaust, cigarettes, cannabis and other substances.
According to the neurologist, an introduction of smoke into the brain creates unwanted particles known as radicals that take the cells prisoner.
He added that it should be noted that loss of memory was a social disorder.
The neurologist said that conscious or unconscious inhalation of substances into the human system should be avoided.
“Many of our young ones are in the habit of inhaling substances, believing that it will make them feel high and alert.
“But on the contrary, it is a dangerous practice capable of leading to withdrawal in the persons involved,’’ Okoh said.
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He warned those in the habit of inhaling smoke to desist as the consequences were harmful and could be anti-social.
He said that a driver who indulged in smoking of cigarettes or other substances could easily forget himself and withdraw into abstract fantasy while driving.
Okoh added that this sort of distraction while driving had resulted in numerous road mishaps.
He urged officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to monitor drivers’ conduct carefully this yuletide especially with a view to curtailing road accidents. (NAN)