Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 9 Tobacco 259 moking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. This lesson examines different types of tobacco products, the physical effects of tobacco use on the body, and the health impact of being around others who smoke. Tobacco Products Tobacco is a plant used for the production of tobacco-related products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Tobacco leaves contain the chemical nicotine, a toxic substance that gives tobacco products their addictive quality. The most common method of using tobacco is smoking cigarettes. Other methods of tobacco use include cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Some people believe that these methods of tobacco use are safer, healthier, or less addictive than regular cigarettes. The reality is that all forms of tobacco use are associated with addiction and serious health consequences (Figure 9.1). S tobacco a plant that is used to produce cigarettes and other products contains nicotine nicotine an addictive, toxic substance present in tobacco products Health Risks of Using Tobacco over Time Nervous System • Stroke • Exposure to nicotine during adolescence is linked to lasting i adverse affects on brain development v • Addiction Mouth • Cancers of the mouth • Gum disease and loss of teeth e • Loss of ability to taste and smell Eyes • Vision loss Lungs • Lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema • Smoking during adolescence–when the lungs are still growing–may permanently stunt the growth of the lungs so they never perform at full capacity • More lung infections and asthma attacks Cardiovascular System • Increased heart rate and blood pressure • Constricted blood vessels and buildup of plaque • Carbon monoxide interferes with the ability of blood cells to carry oxygen • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke (nonsmokers who inhale secondhand smoke have a greater risk of stroke) Immune System • Weakened immune system, leaving smokers more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses and diseases Reproductive System • Smoking while pregnant is linked to birth defects • Infertility • Impotence in men Digestive System • Cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and esophagus • Colorectal cancer Urinary System • Cancers of the kidney and bladder Endocrine System • Insulin resistance and diabetes Appearance and Hygiene • Bad breath • Smelly hair and clothes • Yellow-brown stained teeth • Stained fingertips and fingernails • Premature aging of the skin (more wrinkles) • Loss of teeth due to gum disease Tobacco use affects the entire body, and its harmful effects are not always reversible. Figure 9.1