Health Risks of Tobacco Use

Health Risk

Tobacco smoke and chewing tobacco contain around 50 carcinogenic substances Carcinogenic substances pose health risks to adults, children, and unborn babies. They are defined as any substance or agent known to cause cancer. These are some carcinogenic substances found in tobacco:

• acetone
• formaldehyde
• ammonia
• black tar
• benzene
• arsenic

Many of these substances are found in everyday household cleaners, used to pave roads, or as poisons. There are many tobacco-related illnesses:

• cancer: lung, mouth, laryngeal, esophageal, pancreas, stomach, and bladder
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• respiratory problems
• peptic ulcer
• intrauterine retardation
• yellow teeth and bad breath
• wrinkles and premature aging

In a pregnant woman:

• spontaneous abortion
• premature births
• delayed deliveries
• premature rupture of the membranes
• stillborn
• low birth weight babies

Tobacco affects both infants and children

• higher mortality rates
• higher rate of pneumonia
• higher rates of bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses

Secondhand smoke is the smoke emitted from cigarette that can be inhaled by someone who does not smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), secondhand smoke causes cancer in nonsmokers. The EPA has classified secondhand smoke as a class "A" carcinogen. Secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as asbestos and radiation exposure, which cause cancer. Every year, 53,000

Americans die from illnesses related to secondhand smoke. More than 5,000 Californians die yearly due to exposure which converts into 14 deaths per day Infants and children that are exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher incidence of respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and the flu.

Also, they are at a higher risk of getting ear infections and developing physical and mental retardation. Between 150,000 and 300,000 children suffer from those illnesses due to exposure of secondhand smoke. Spouses of smokers are also at a higher risk of developing cancer related illnesses and death due to the years of exposure to smoke. If a spouse is pregnant, second hand smoke can be passed from the smoker- to the mother- to the baby via the umbilical cord. The developing baby will thus be exposed to the toxic chemicals and poisons found in tobacco.

Tobacco Use Among Youth

In the United States 3,000 new teenagers start smoking every day. This means each year produces one million new smokers, primarily youth. Out of the one million, 90% of new smokers are children and adolescents. They ultimately replace people who have quit or died from smoking related diseases. In California, 200 teens start smoking or chewing tobacco each day. Currently, tobacco sales show profits of up to 200 million dollars each year due to the new generation of teen smokers.

Tobacco Companies Advertising

Tobacco companies specifically target teens and adolescents in their advertisement. The tobacco companies utilize various strategies such as promotional item give-away and sponsorship of well-publicized sports events or concerts. Cartoon characters such as "Joe Camel" truly targets children as cartoons represent a mode of communication specifically aimed at the young. Studies have found that children recognize "Joe Camel" as equal or more than they recognize the Disney icon "Mickey Mouse."

In 1993 the tobacco industry spent nearly 6.3 billion dollars in publicity. This means 16 millions dollars spent daily ($11,000 each minute). However, the tobacco industry makes up for publicity costs in sales. The tobacco companies must spend so much money on advertising because more and more people are quitting due to anti-tobacco programs and recent legislation which regulates its distribution and usage.

So, if you or spouse smokes cigarettes or cigars, please smoke outside the home away from the lungs of your family and friends. Or, better yet, become smoke-free and live a full life.