Understanding the Appearance of Smoker's Lungs: Causes & Health Risks

A smoker's lung is typically black or dark brown in color. This is due to the tar and other chemicals in cigarette smoke, which are deposited in the lungs and cause them to become discolored. The tar and chemicals in cigarette smoke can also damage the delicate tissue of the lungs, leading to respiratory problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.