TOBACCO April 26, 2003 Presented By: Lisa M. Ryder Karen Lara

ANNUAL TOBACCO DEATHS Annual tobacco-related deaths exceed the number of deaths from alcohol, cocaine, heroine, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined. Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 430,000 American deaths each year.  This figure includes the 140,000 American women that die each year from cigarette smoking.

SMOKING AND EDUCATION Smoking rates among women with less than a high school education are three times more likely than those among college graduates.

SMOKING AND RACE Among adults in the United States, American Indian/Alaskan Natives have the highest prevalence of tobacco use. Asian Americans and Hispanic women have the lowest prevalence of tobacco use. Compared to their male counterparts, women have a lower prevalence for tobacco use. Though this is not true for American Indians/Alaskan Natives.

RATIONALIZATIONS OF WOMEN SMOKERS It can’t be as bad as they say. The government wouldn’t let them sell cigarettes if they were that harmful. I DON’T want to gain weight. I am too busy to eat, and smoking helps me to control my hunger. It is okay if I smoke because I eat well and exercise every day. I only smoke low tar cigarettes. I smoke for pleasure. Smoking is glamorous.

HEALTH CONCERNS FOR WOMEN SMOKERS Cardiovascular Disease Cancer Respiratory Disease Smoking and Oral Contraception Smoking and Pregnancy Other

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Each year approximately 82,000 individuals die from coronary heart disease attributed to cigarette smoking.  Roughly 30%-40% of these deaths occur in women.

CANCER Smoking is associated with cancer of the lung, larynx, pharynx, mouth, esophagus, kidney, pancreas and bladder in women. In 1987, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among American women.  Smoking accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women.

RESPIRATOY DISEASE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Characterized by permanent airflow obstruction and extended periods of disability and restricted activity.  Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes which results in narrowing of the air passages.  Emphysema: Destruction of the alveoli which results in labored breathing. Females who smoke are 10.5 times more likely to die from chronic bronchitis or emphysema than non-smokers.

SMOKING AND ORAL CONTRACEPTION Currently about 17% of women 15 to 44 years of age who use contraception take oral contraceptives. Risks associated with smoking and oral contraception  Venous thromboembolism (abnormal blood clots)  Heart Attack  Stroke

SMOKING AND PREGNANCY 12.2% of women in the United States reported smoking cigarettes during pregnancy. In 2000 smoking rates in pregnant women were highest among teenagers years old, followed by women age Smoking during pregnancy retards fetal growth.  Is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS and infant mortality.  It is believed to be responsible for: 17-30% of low birth-weight babies (5.5 lbs. Or less) 14% of preterm deliveries 10% of infant deaths

OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS FOR WOMEN Osteoporosis Early menopause  Smokers reach spontaneous menopause 1-2 years earlier than non-smoking women. Premature wrinkles Premature gray hair Allergies Asthma Circulatory problems

WHAT’S IN A CIGARETTE ANYWAY? Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. At least 40 of those chemicals are known carcinogens. Here are a few of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke:  Butane (lighter fluid)  Methanol (rocket fuel)  Arsenic (poison)  Cadmium (battery acid)

INVOLUNTARY SMOKING

SO QUIT