The Dangers of Tobacco and Smoking

Tobacco and Nicotine

• Tobacco is a plant used to produce cigarettes and other products, containing nicotine.
• Nicotine is an addictive, toxic substance present in tobacco products.

Health Effects of Specific Chemicals

• Formaldehyde slows down the decomposition process.
• Cyanide was used by Germans in WWII.

Risks of Smoking

• Smoking cigars or pipes is not safer than smoking cigarettes.
• Smoking filtered cigarettes is not safer than smoking unfiltered cigarettes.
• Smokeless tobacco is not safer than cigarettes.

Long-Term Effects

• Strokes
• Cancer
• Heart issues due to extra stress
• Weakened immune system
• Infertility
• Lung issues
• Eye issues
• Digestive issues
• Stains on skin
• Premature aging

Immediate Effects

• Heart beats faster
• Blood vessels constrict
• Blood pressure rises
• Drop in body temperature
• Platelets stick together
• Tar stains teeth and fingers
• Tar builds up in lungs
• Cilia are paralyzed
• Shortness of breath
• Irritated eyes
• Dulls sense of taste and smell
• Unpleasant odor: clothes, breath, hair
• Eyes look tired/baggy

Cardiovascular System

• Nicotine triggers the release of adrenaline, increasing heart rate, breath rate, and blood pressure.
• Carbon monoxide negatively affects cells' ability to carry oxygen.

Respiratory System

• Cilia trap and move foreign particles out of the respiratory tract.
• Cilia sweep back and forth 10 times per second, 36,000 times per hour.
• Air travels into tubes (bronchi) and into the lungs.
• Tar can disrupt the respiratory system.

COPD and Related Diseases

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) refers to a group of diseases that cause difficulty breathing.
• Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes swell and become irritated.
• Emphysema is a disease that permanently enlarges lung airways and destroys lung tissues.
• Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by episodes of blocked airflow to the lung.

Lung Cancer

• Tobacco smoke contains over 70 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).
• Lung cancer is abnormal cell growth in one or both lungs.

Smokeless Tobacco Information

• All forms of smokeless tobacco contain nicotine and carcinogens.
• Smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as other forms of tobacco.
• Cancer is abnormal cell growth.
• Leukoplakia is a white, leathery patch in the mouth from smokeless tobacco.

E-Cigarettes Effects

• Dopamine levels can increase in the brain.
• Nanoparticles from e-cigarettes can cause harm.