The Effects of Tobacco Use Lesson 1 The Effects of Tobacco Use

Terms to Know 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 Carcinogen – a cancer-causing substance Tar – a thick, dark fluid produced when tobacco burns

Terms to Know Carbon Monoxide – a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas Smokeless Tobacco – tobacco that is sniffed through the nose, held in the mouth, or chewed Leukoplakia – thickened, white, leathery-looking spots on the inside of the mouth that can develop into oral cancer

Tobacco Use – A Serious Health Risk According to the Surgeon General tobacco use is the #1 cause of preventable disease and death in the US All tobacco products are required to carry a warning label as a result Many people begin thinking that they can quit at any time

Nicotine Is the addictive drug found in tobacco leaves Raises blood pressure, heart rate, and contributes to heart disease People who are addicted require more nicotine to satisfy their cravings

Cigarette Smoke – A Toxic Mixture In 1992, the EPA classified environmental tobacco smoke as a Group A carcinogen Most dangerous class of carcinogens Cigarette Smoke contains tar Penetrates the smoker’s respiratory system, destroying cilia and damaging the alveoli Also contains Carbon Monoxide Replaced Oxygen in the bloodstream Increases the risk of High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease and Hardening of the Arteries

Effects of Pipes and Cigars Both present major health risks Cigars contain significantly more nicotine and produce more tar and carbon monoxide than cigarettes Pipe and Cigar smokers have an increased risk of developing cancers of the lip, mouth and throat

Harmful Effects of Smokeless Tobacco Smokeless Tobacco is NOT a safe alternative to smoking Contains nicotine and 28 other known carcinogens All of which are absorbed into the blood through the mucous membranes or digestive tract Carcinogens are delivered at a level 2 to 3 times higher then cigarettes Irritates the mouth’s sensitive tissues causing leukoplakia Cancers of the throat, larynx, esophagus, stomach and pancreas are more common among users of smokeless tobacco

How Tobacco Affects the Body Short-Term Effects Changes in brain chemistry Increased respiration and heart rate Dulled taste buds and reduced appetite Bad breath and smelly hair, clothes, and skin

How Tobacco Affects the Body Long-Term Effects Chronic Bronchitis Emphysema Lung Cancer Coronary heart disease and stroke

Consequences of Smoking Legal Consequences Selling tobacco products to people under 18 is illegal in all states Social Consequences May be excluded from social gatherings because the smell of secondhand smoke is offensive to some people Financial Consequences Use can be very expensive Someone who smokes a pack a day can spend more than $2000 each year just on cigarettes Total economic cost of smoking to US taxpayers, including medical costs is approximately $97 Billion a year