Scientists have debunked the myth that smoking in moderation is harmless, with a new study showing that even two to five cigarettes daily more than doubles the risk of heart disease and significantly raises the risk of death by 6,000%. The research, conducted by the American Heart Association’s Tobacco Regulation and Addiction Center, analyzed data from 22 long-term health studies involving over 320,000 adults. Published in PLOS Medicine, the findings challenge the belief that reduced smoking is less harmful, showing that just a few cigarettes a day cause significant cardiovascular damage. Current smokers have over double the risk of dying from any cause compared to people who never smoked, and those who smoke two to five cigarettes daily had double the chance of developing heart disease. The study emphasizes that the only way to reverse these health risks is to quit smoking entirely, as the body begins to heal after cessation. Researchers note that health risks decrease immediately after someone stops smoking, with significant improvements seen within 10 years and a gradual reduction in risk over 20 years. However, the study also warns that the benefits of quitting take more than 30 years to fully match those of never smokers. The research highlights potential limitations, such as self-reported smoking habits possibly affecting data accuracy. E-cigarettes or other tobacco products were not included in the study, leaving gaps in understanding the health impacts of alternative smoking methods.