Why does smoking cause damage to the cilia, alveoli, and lungs?

Tobacco X: Even in pure organic tobacco when ignited and smoked compounds are present that inflame and eventually can scar the lining of the lungs. Also, one sees compensatory efforts by the lungs to protect themselves. Goblet cells start producing more mucous and that is one reason for smoker's cough being so nasty. By the way nicotine is relatively harmless and can be very helpful even long term.