How does smoking affect lung tissue?

The choice that indicates smoking damages lung tissue is correct because smoking introduces numerous harmful substances into the lungs, including tar, nicotine, and various toxic chemicals. These substances lead to inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and destruction of lung tissue over time. The damage caused by smoking can result in chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, which significantly impair lung function and gas exchange.

Conversely, smoking does not strengthen lung capacity, improve lung health, or have no effect on lung tissue. The harmful effects of smoking are well-documented, leading to a progressive decline in respiratory health, making the identification of smoking as a damaging force to lung tissue crucial in understanding its impact on overall cardiorespiratory fitness.