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.