264 Unit 4 Understanding and Avoiding Hazardous Substances Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All forms of smokeless tobacco contain nicotine and carcinogens, so the harmful effects of these substances are the same as if they were smoked. The presence of nicotine also means that smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as cigarettes. In fact, smokeless tobacco is often placed directly into the mouth, so users of these products actually absorb even more nicotine than smokers. Because using smokeless tobacco does not involve inhaling smoke, people who use it are less likely to develop lung problems than smokers. These people do, however, increase their risk of developing other serious diseases. When using smokeless tobacco, people absorb nicotine through their mouth tissues. The use of these tobacco products can lead to leukop pl akia, a condition characterized by thickened, white, leathery spots on the inside of the mouth. This condition can develop into oral cancer. Smokeless tobacco use can also lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory irritation, gum disease, and tooth decay. The Impact of Secondhand Smoke Secondhand smoke refers to the tobacco smoke you are exposed to in the environment. People who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke because they live or socialize with smokers are at greater risk of develop- ing lung cancer or heart disease. Concerns about the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke on health have led a number of states to pass laws banning smoking in many public areas to protect the health of customers and staff. Secondhand smoke greatly affects certain population groups, including pregnant women, infants, and children. Pregnant Women and Infants Exposure to nicotine is particularly hazardous to a developing fetus. When a pregnant woman smokes, the nicotine and carbon monoxide she takes into her body pass through the placenta to the fetus. The immediate impact on the fetus is an increased heart rate and reduction in the amount of oxygen the fetus receives. Women who smoke while pregnant increase their risk of miscarriage, and of having babies born prematurely or with low birth weight. Babies born to mothers who smoked or breathed secondhand smoke during preg- nancy also have a higher risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the unexpected and sudden death of a baby less than one year after birth. Children Exposure to secondhand smoke is a major cause of health problems in children. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have respiratory problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma attacks. Children whose parents smoke also have higher rates of sore throats and ear infections. Are You at Risk of Tobacco Use? These questions will help you assess whether your tobacco use or the tobacco use of others is putting your health at risk. I have smoked a cigarette. yes no I have used chewing tobacco or snuff. yes no I spend time with friends who smoke. yes no I spend time with family members who smoke. yes no I sometimes have a craving for a cigarette or chewing tobacco. yes no I smoke a cigarette every day. yes no I smoke more than one cigarette a day. yes no I would fi nd it diffi cult to go a whole day without smoking. yes no Add up your number of yes answers to assess your own personal risk of developing health problems related to tobacco use. Personal Profi le a condition characterized by white, leathery spots inside the mouth may develop into oral cancer secondhand smoke tobacco smoke in the environment that may affect a person even if he or she does not smoke