SMOKING TOBACCO
SMOKING TOBACCO
Smoking tobacco refers to the act of inhaling the smoke produced by burning dried leaves of the tobacco plant, typically Nicotiana tabacum. This is most commonly done using:
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Cigarettes
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Cigars
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Pipes
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Hookahs (water pipes)
KEY COMPONENTS:
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Nicotine: A highly addictive chemical that affects the brain and nervous system.
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Tar: A sticky substance that coats the lungs and can cause respiratory problems.
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Carbon monoxide: A poisonous gas that reduces oxygen in the blood.
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Thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and over 70 are known to cause cancer.
HEALTH RISKS
Smoking tobacco is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. It is linked to:
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Lung cancer, throat cancer, mouth cancer
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Heart disease and stroke
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Reduced lung function and breathing issues
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Weakened immune system
WHY PEOPLE START:
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Social pressure or curiosity
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Stress relief or habit
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Influence from advertising or family members
