Chapter 20 Tobacco

The Health Risks Medical studies have shown that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death & disability in the US. About 90% of adult smokers began the habit as teenagers. Quitting is very difficult.

The Health Risks Addictive Drug – a substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence Nicotine – the addictive drug found in tobacco leaves Stimulant – a drug that increases the action of the central nervous system, the heart, and other organs

Poisonous Substances Carcinogen – a cancer-causing substance Tar – a thick, sticky, dark fluid produced when tobacco burns Destroys cilia and alveoli Carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas

Other forms of tobacco Pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco are just as dangerous as cigarettes Leukoplakia- thickened, white, leathery-looking spots on the inside of the mouth that can develop into oral cancer

Harmful Effects of Tobacco Short-term Brain chemistry changes Respiration & heart rate increase Taste buds dulled, appetite reduced Bad breath, yellow teeth, smell Long-term Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Lung cancer Coronary heart disease & stroke Weakened immune system

Other Consequences Costs to society $167 Billion/ year Cost to individual $3,561/year Legal consequences

Reduced tobacco use in teens Tobacco legislation Advertising No-smoking policies Public places Family values Positive peer pressure Health risks

Strategies for Avoidance Surround yourself with positive influences Reduce peer pressure Be prepared with refusal skills

Ending the Addiction Cycle Nicotine withdrawal – the process that occurs in the body when nicotine, an addictive drug, is no longer used Nicotine substitutes – products that deliver small amounts of nicotine into the user’s system while he/she is trying to give up the tobacco habit Tobacco cessation program – a course that provides info. & help to people who want to stop using tobacco

Risks to others Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) – air that has been contaminated by tobacco smoke AKA - secondhand smoke Mainstream smoke – the smoke exhaled from the lungs of a smoker Sidestream smoke – the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar What is thirdhand smoke?

Risks to others Secondhand smoke causes about 3000 deaths/year from lung cancer Smoking during pregnancy can seriously harm the unborn baby Children of smokers are more likely to be in poor health