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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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