Horrifying simulation shows exactly how smoking destroys your lungs

These days, you don't need a doctor to tell you that smoking is bad for you, but it's hard to believe that in the 1930s, it was promoted as being beneficial to your health.

The American tobacco industry is still a goliath that brings in a jaw-dropping $83.1 billion every year, proving that many of us still aren't listening to the warnings.

Now, a shocking simulation from Zack. D Films reveals exactly what smoking does to your body and how it destroys your lungs.

Always one to spread cheer, Zack D. Films' simulations have covered everything from why you shouldn't pop a blister to how much microplastic we're consuming every week.

Simulations showing why we should stub out our cigarettes are nothing new, and with one study suggesting a single cigarette can shave 20 minutes off your life, it's amazing that more of you aren't trying to kick the habit.

It's no secret that smoking is bad for your lungs (Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty)

Zack D. Films explains that when you inhale a cigarette, your airways are covered in sticky black tar. As the tar builds up, your airways become narrower, and it's more difficult to breathe. You might've noticed this with the so-called smoker's cough as the body tries to clear these toxic substances.

The chemicals inside cigarettes kill the tiny hair-like structures that typically clear mucus and dirt from our lungs, and as they continue to gather, they make us more prone to infections.

As time goes on, the smoke scars our lungs by making the tissue stiff and weak. Eventually, your lungs might become so damaged, they can't function. We've seen similar reports on how long it takes our lungs to 'recover' from vaping, and even as we swap standard cigarettes for the sweet stuff inside vapes, there are continued studies that suggest it's not any better for our health.

At this stage, the video says it's hard for you to breathe on your own, which could result in you needing inhalers or nebulizers.

For those who still aren't aware of how smoking could destroy your body, the damage caused to your lungs can lead to chronic diseases like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, all alongside an increased risk of lung cancer.

Replying to the video, the comments made for some pretty disturbing reading.

One person said: "For anyone wondering, an estimated 23 percent of heavy smokers will never reach the age of 65. Heavy smoking also decreases your life expectancy by about 10 -13 years. SO DONT SMOKE!"

Another added: "For anybody wondering: no, vaping isn’t an alternative."

A third concluded: "I quit smoking cigarettes a year ago. Best decision I ever made. I had bronchitis and pneumonia at the same time last year, and it almost killed me. You don’t realize how bad your lungs are until you get sick and can’t fight it off."

With New Year's resolutions just around the corner, there's no better time to ditch those little death sticks before you do any more damage to your lungs.