Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 9 Tobacco 263
Lung Cancer and Other Cancers. Lung cancer occurs
when abnormal cells in one or both lungs grow rapidly and
form a mass of cells, which is called a tumor. This growth
usually happens in the cells that line the air passages.
As the tumors grow, they interfere with the lungs’ ability
to transport oxygen to the bloodstream. Tumors can also
spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Tobacco smoke contains over 70 carcinogens, or cancer-
causing agents, that can lead to the abnormal growth of cells
in the mouth, throat, and lungs. This is why smokers have
higher rates of cancer than nonsmokers.
Your Appearance
Tobacco use has numerous negative internal effects, but
it also has negative external effects. People who smoke for
at least 10 years show more wrinkles in their skin. This is
because the nicotine in tobacco causes blood vessels to get
smaller, which makes it more diffi cult for oxygen and nu-
trients to reach the skin. Tobacco use causes stained teeth,
brittle nails, and thin hair. Smokers also tend to have bad
breath, and clothes and hair that smell of smoke (Figure 9.5).
The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco
Forms of smokeless tobacco include chewing tobacco, snuff, snus (a
form of snuff), and dissolvable tobacco. Chewing tobacco involves placing
wads, or plugs, of tobacco leaves between the cheeks and gums (Figure 9.6).
Snuff is a fi nely cut or powdered tobacco that is inhaled or placed between
the cheek and gums. Dissolvable tobacco is taken in the form of fl avored
mouth drops or strips.
Tobacco use yellows teeth
and can cause bad breath
and other oral problems.
Figure 9.5
When Hall of Fame baseball
player Tony Gwynn died of
salivary gland cancer at the
age of 54, many major league
baseball players pledged to
quit chewing tobacco. Prior to
his death Gwynn had blamed
his longtime chewing habit
for the development of the
cancer. Do you know high
school athletes who chew
tobacco? Do you think
these athletes are aware of
the dangers of smokeless
tobacco?
Figure 9.6
carcinogens
substances that cause cancer
smokeless tobacco
a tobacco-related product that
does not require burning;
includes chewing tobacco
and electronic cigarettes