Reproductive System Nicotine affects the male and female reproductive systems. Males who use nicotine have a lower sperm count and more deformed sperm. This can reduce fertility and increase risks for congenital disabilities and miscarriage. Nicotine use can also damage blood vessels in the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction. In females, nicotine use can damage egg cells, reducing fertility. Pregnant people who use nicotine are more likely to experience complications, including a low-birthweight baby, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus), premature delivery, or stillbirth. Health Effects of Cigarettes Did you know that, on average, long-term users of cigarettes die 13–15 years earlier than people who do not use cigarettes? According to the US Surgeon General, people who smoke have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, colorectal and liver cancers, vision loss, tuberculosis, and arthritis. Smoking cigarettes also leads to stained teeth and hair and clothes that smell like smoke. In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke contains toxic, cancer-causing chemicals and can lead to respiratory conditions. Toxic Chemicals Cigarettes and cigarette smoke contain thousands of chemicals and toxic substances that harm the body (Figure 11.3). Nicotine is just one of these harmful substances. Cigarette smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. When inhaled, carbon monoxide interferes with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. carbon monoxide poisonous gas that interferes with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body Chemicals Found in Cigarette Smoke Acetone ● ● Found in nail polish remover Formaldehyde ● ● Embalming fluid Acetic acid ● ● An ingredient in hair dye Hexamine ● ● Found in barbecue lighter fluid Ammonia ● ● A common household cleaner Lead● ● Used in batteries Arsenic ● ● Used in rat poison Methanol● ● A main component in rocket fuel Benzene ● ● Found in rubber cement Naphthalene● ● An ingredient in mothballs Butane ● ● Used in lighter fluid Cadmium ● ● Active component in battery acid Tar● ● Material for paving roads Carbon monoxide ● ● Released in car exhaust fumes Toluene● ● Used to manufacture paint A–Z: Nadiia Ishchenko/Shutterstock.com schankz/Shutterstock.com gowithstock/Shutterstock.com JR AK/Shutterstock.com shinja jang/Shutterstock.com Joe Belanger/Shutterstock.com Charles Knowles/Shutterstock.com Toa55/Shutterstock.com John Gomez/Shutterstock.com Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.com Kenishirotie/Shutterstock.com STEFANY LUNA DE LINZY/Shutterstock.com Vera Larina/Shutterstock.com ungvar/Shutterstock.com Kyle Lee/Shutterstock.com Figure 11.3 These are among the thousands of toxic chemicals and substances found in cigarettes and cigarette smoke. Would you otherwise ingest any of these chemicals? Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 368 Unit 4 Avoiding Hazardous Substances