TOBACCO* Nicotine – the addictive drug in cigarettes

*Stimulant – a drug that increases the action of the central nervous system, the heart, and other organs

* Tar – a thick, sticky, dark fluid produced when tobacco is burned. 70% is deposited into lungs.

TOBACCO Carcinogens – cancer causing agents

Carbon Monoxide – a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas in cigarettes that passes through the lungs into the blood

Leukoplakia – thickened, white, leathery-looking spots on the inside of the mouth that can develop into oral cancer

Chemicals Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000

different chemicals. At least 43 are known carcinogens. Benzene – known carcinogen and is

associated with leukemia. Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) – cause

cancer, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems

Ammonia (toilet cleaner) Acetone (nail polish remover)

Short Term Effects Changes brain chemistry

Respiration and heart rate increase

Dulled taste buds and reduced appetite

Bad breath, smelly hair, clothes, and skin

Long Term Effects Chronic Bronchitis – damage to the cilia.

Build up of tar = chronic coughing and excessive mucus

Emphysema – destruction of air sacs in lungs. Lungs lack oxygen absorption

Lung Cancer – cilia destroyed & mucus not expelled = growth of cancerous cells

Long Term (cont.)

Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke – nicotine constricts blood vessels = decrease in circulation (blood flow). Causes an enlarged heart.

Nicotine = build up of plaque in arteries = hardening of arteries.

Effects on Unborn Baby Nicotine passes to the placenta =

constricting blood vessels in fetus. Impaired fetal growth Miscarriages, prenatal death,

premature delivery Low birth weight, deformities, and

stillborns Growth/developmental problems in

early childhood.

Effects on Children

Higher incidence of sore throats, ear infections, and upper respiratory problems.

Double the risk of lung cancer. Develop asthma

Second Hand Smoke

Mainstream smoke = smoke exhaled from the lungs of a smoker.

Sidestream smoke = smoke from burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe. **more dangerous – higher concentration of carcinogens, nicotine, and tar.

Smokeless Tobacco

Has more nicotine per dose and stays in blood stream longer than cigarettes.

28 carcinogens = leukoplakia

Pictures

Smoker’s Lung = cancerous Healthy lung

compared to a smoker’s lung. The smoker’s lung is filled with tar.