Cigars, pipes increase risk for lungs

NORFOLK,Va (WAVY) -- Inside Bond's Fine Cigar Shoppe in Suffolk, way in the back, there is a lounge with comfortable leather chairs where men love to smoke.

Dave Wheat is one of them, and among a growing number of people who switched to cigars from cigarettes.

"You don't inhale them, and I'm in the military, and you have to maintain a certain physical condition. It allows me to do that and still enjoy tobacco every now and then," he said.

Doctors say, don't be fooled.

A new study published by the American College of Physicians , in the Annals of Internal Medicine , shows regular cigar and pipe smokers, double their risk of COPD , Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

"COPD is expected to pass strokes as the third leading cause of death in the United States," said Dr. Fletcher Pierce , a pulmonologist with Sentara Health Systems .

Even when smokers didn't inhale, researchers found toxins from the smoke got into their bodies.

"Some people may think that's a safer alternative to cigarette smoking, but this study shows that's not the case," said Pierce.

However, Wheat said, "I don't think its a safe alternative to cigarettes, I would never suggest that, but for me it's relaxing to have one every now and again."

So, despite the doctors advice, Wheat and his friends at the lounge say they are willing to take a chance on their health tomorrow for a little enjoyment in their lives today.