Chapter 24 Lesson 1 Notes Why young people start smoking 20% of American teens smoke 90% of adult smokers started as teenagers 33% of smokers will die from smoke-related causes *Feel insecure in social situations *Make the feel older *Peer pressure *False beliefs in health dangers of smoking *Believe they can stop at anytime
What is in Cigarettes? At least 43 chemicals known to cause cancer such as cyanide, formaldehyde, and arsenic The flavor comes from tar which paralyzes and destroys cilia. (Cilia keeps the respiratory tract clear) Carcinogens – cancer causing agents Carbon Monoxide – unites hemoglobin in red blood cells which prevents them from carrying oxygen to body’s cells
Smokeless Tobacco Carries same health risks as cigarettes Can cause mouth sores, damage teeth and gums, damage digestive system, discolor teeth, cause bad breath
Specialty Cigarettes Contain spices that make them taste sweet Stronger than regular cigarettes – more cancer causing agents Contains double the amount of tar and nicotine