TOBACCO DERIVATIVES
TOBACCO DERIVATIVES
Tobacco derivatives — including e-cigarettes (vapes), hookah, and nicotine pouches — all pose serious health risks. Though delivery methods differ, most contain nicotine and toxic chemicals that damage the body
DANGERS OF TOBACCO DERIVATIVES
1. Chemical Exposure
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Derivatives contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are:
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Carcinogens
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Metals (like lead, arsenic)
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Volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde
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Formaldehyde - A colorless, strong-smelling gas used in building materials and as a preservative which can cause chronic respiratory issues and cellular damage.
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​Diacetyl - A buttery-flavored chemical once commonly used in microwave popcorn production which can cause "Popcorn Lung" (Bronchiolitis Obliterans): A rare, irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling diacetyl over time. It damages the small airways, leading to persistent coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
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2. Cancer
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Lung cancer (from smoking and vaping)
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Oral, throat, and esophageal cancers (common with smokeless tobacco, cigars, hookah)
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Pancreatic and stomach cancers
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Bladder and kidney cancer
3. Heart and Circulatory Disease
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Increased heart attack and stroke risk
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Hardening and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
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Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
4. Respiratory Issues
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Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
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COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
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Aggravates asthma and weakens the immune response
5. Addiction
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All derivatives deliver nicotine, a highly addictive substance
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Leads to long-term dependence and withdrawal symptoms
6. Oral and Dental Damage
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Gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth lesions (especially with chewing tobacco and snus)
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Leukoplakia: white mouth patches that may become cancerous
7. Reproductive and Pregnancy Risks
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Increases risk of:
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Infertility
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Erectile dysfunction
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Birth defects, stillbirth, and low birth weight
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8. Brain Development in Youth
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In teens and young adults, nicotine harms brain development, affecting:
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Memory
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Attention
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Impulse control
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9. Secondhand and Thirdhand Exposure
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Secondhand smoke harms non-smokers, especially children
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Thirdhand smoke (residue on clothes, furniture) can linger and remain toxic
