Myths and Facts of Tobacco and E-Cigarettes OCTOBER 14, 2015
Myths vs. Facts Read each statement. Decide if the statement is a myth (false) or a fact (true). Anyone who uses tobacco risks becoming addicted. True. Some people become addicted the first time they use. You only have to smoke or use tobacco products a few times to become addicted. Addiction can happen after using only 1-7 times. You have to use tobacco products for a long time before they really hurt you. False. The damaging affects occur immediately. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 dangerous chemicals.
Myths vs. Facts Read each statement. Decide if the statement is a myth (false) or a fact (true). E-cigarettes are a “safer” alternative to regular types of tobacco. False. E-cigs are just as dangerous and addictive as other tobacco products. E-cigarette “juice” is regulated and manufactured according to safe health standards. False. There are no national standards for what chemicals are put in “juice.”
More Information About Tobacco
Tobacco and Addiction Tobacco is as addictive a heroin and cocaine. 35 Million people in the U.S. try to quit smoking every year. Only about one in twenty people who try to quit is tobacco free after one year. People who start smoking when they are young have the hardest time quitting
Tobacco and the Lungs There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. Teenage smokers lungs aren’t able to grow as well as non-smokers. Teens who smoke have more coughs, colds, throat and nose problems, and more phlegm. Lung cancer kills more people than any other type of cancer
Tobacco and the Heart Smoking tobacco is bad for your heart and is a major cause of heart attack. People who smoke hare between two and six times more likely to have a heart attack. Smoking is the number one cause of heart attack in younger adults.
Tobacco and the Skin Smoking causes the skin to wrinkle and makes your skin look older.
Tobacco and the Mouth Smoking causes bad breath, stains the teeth and tongue, and causes ugly tartar build up on the teeth.
Tobacco and Mental Health Teens who smoke are more likely to have: Panic Attacks Anxiety problems Depression
Other Consequences Possession or use of tobacco, including e- cigarettes and “juice”, at school is against Weber School District and T.H. Bell policy. Possession or use of tobacco is unlawful for persons under the age of 19 in Utah. Teens found in possession at school will be cited and referred to Court. Tobacco is expensive! Average cost is $5/pack.
Conclusion Use of tobacco is a serious danger to your health and the health of others around you. Choosing to be tobacco free helps you stay healthy and helps you do your best. Decide now to be tobacco free!