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 smok-
ers. 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
leukoplakia, 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, 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
leukoplakia
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