Tobacco

Effects of Tobacco

The Risks of Tobacco

Smoking is the #1 cause of preventable disease and death in the US

Once an individual starts smoking it is very difficult to quit

Nicotine

Nicotine – the addictive drug found in tobacco leaves Addictive Drug – a substance that causes

physiological or psychological dependence Stimulant – drug that increases the action of the

central nervous systems, the heart and other organs Speeds the body up

Cigarette Smoke

Carcinogen – a cancer causing substance Tar – a thick, sticky, dark fluid produced when

tobacco burns Damages a person’s respiratory system

Carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas Damages the cardiovascular system

Tar

Tar damages a smoker’s respiratory system by

paralyzing and destroying cilia

destroying the alveoli

damaging lung tissue

Lungs

Smokers cause severe damage to their lungs.

Compare the healthy lung on the left with the one damaged by tobacco on the right.

Alternatives to Cigarettes Pipes and Cigars

Contain more nicotine and produce more tar and carbon monoxide than cigarettes

Increased risk of lip, mouth and throat cancer Smokeless Tobacco

Delivers higher levels of nicotine Increased cases of cancers of

the throat, larynx, esophagus, stomach and pancreas

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

Long Term Effects

Damages major body systems Risk of many health problems including Chronic Bronchitis Emphysema Lung Cancer Coronary heart

disease and stroke

Effects on Body Systems

Nervous System

Addiction Stroke

Respiratory System

Coughing Chronic

bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer

Circulatory System

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Hardened arteries, decreased blood flow

Heart attack, stroke

Consequences Legal

Selling to someone under 18 is illegal Prohibited on school property

Social Appearance – breath, yellow teeth Second hand smoke

Financial $2,000 a year Total economic cost was about $97 billion a year

Benefits of Living Tobacco-Free

Physical Benefits You will have better health and fewer health risks.

Mental/Emotional Benefits

You will have less stress and a sense of freedom.

Social Benefits You will look and feel better.

American Warning Label

Proposed Tobacco Labels

Are Tobacco Warning Labels Effective? Several countries around the world, including

Canada, have pictures on their tobacco products. Despite the efforts of the FDA, the tobacco

companies in America are not required to put pictures on their products.

Do you think that tobacco companies should be required to put pictures on their labels?

Write a paragraph explaining why or why not. Or design a label you think will convince people to stop smoking.