Tobacco

Chemicals in Tobacco  4000 chemicals  Carcinogens cause cancer  Nicotine – the addictive drug that is found in all tobacco products  Tar – a sticky, black substance in tobacco  Carbon Monoxide – is a gas that blocks oxygen from getting into the bloodstream

Other Chemicals  Cyanide – poisonous gas used to develop photographs  Formaldehyde – substance used as an embalming fluid  Lead – a dangerous metal  Arsenic – found in rat poison  Ammonia – found in floor cleaner

Types of Smoke  Mainstream Smoke – smoke that is inhaled through a tobacco product and exhaled by the smoker.  Sidestream Smoke – smoke that escapes from the tip of the cigarette.  Environmental Smoke – is the combination of exhaled mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke.

Smoking When Pregnant  Chemicals pass through the placenta to the fetus.  Nicotine constricts blood vessels and limits blood supply to the fetus.  Carbon monoxide attaches to HEMOGLOBIN instead of oxygen which suffocates the fetus.

Smoking When Pregnant  Risk of miscarriage  Risk of premature birth  Low birth weight  Slow growth rate  Risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)  Risk of developing learning difficulties  Increased risk of childhood cancer (lymphoma, leukemia)

Smokeless Tobacco  Contains 2 times the nicotine of cigarettes.  Ingredients: Tobacco (duh), fiberglass, sugar, sweeteners, nicotine, carcinogens, chemicals  Health Effects Leukoplakia – white, leathery, precancerous patches Tooth decay / Gum disease Mouth, jaw, stomach, and bladder