British scientists have found an answer to the mysterious question of why some life-long smokers have few major lung problems, if any, and live as long as non-smoking people. According to a study done on 50,000 people aged between 40 and 69, some people’s genetic make-up proved helpful in cutting the risk of contracting some of the most notorious smoking-related diseases.

During the study smokers and non-smokers as well as those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and those without it, were examined by researchers. They then did a comparison between these characteristics and a stunning 28 million genetic variants in each of the 50,000 subjects.

Scientists, funded by the Medical Research Council, used the UK’s Biobank project, containing the records of 500,000 people and found that COPD, which encompasses emphysema and bronchitis, was less prevalent in some patients because of their genetic code.

While speaking to the BBC, Professor Martin Tobin from the University of Leicester, said that they didn’t see any type of magic bullet that would give anyone definite protection against tobacco smoke. He said that smokers would still have lungs that were unhealthier as compared to when they were non-smokers.

The study has also suggested that there could be genetic differences between people that may make them more likely to experience cigarettes addiction.

“Our research helps to tell us why, paving the way for improved prevention and treatment. Stopping smoking is the best way to prevent smoking-related diseases such as COPD, cancers and heart disease,” said Tobin. The results were presented at the annual European Respiratory Society (ERS) meeting in Amsterdam.