5.2 Health Notes

Addictive drug

A substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence Ex: Tobacco

Nicotine

The addictive drug found in tobacco leaves

Stimulant

A drug that increases the action of the central nervous system, the heart, and other organs, Ex: Nicotine

Carcinogen

A cancer-causing substance Ex: Tobacco

Tar

A thick, sticky, dark fluid produced when tobacco burns Ex: Cigarette smoke contains tar. Tar causes paralyzing and destroying cilia, damaging lung tissue, and destroying the alveoli to the smoker’s respiratory system

Carbon monoxide

A colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas, deprives the body’s tissues and cells of oxygen

Cigars

contain significantly more nicotine and produce more tar and carbon monoxide than cigarettes

Smokeless tobacco

Tobacco that is sniffed through the nose, held in the mouth, or chewed, are absorbed into the body at levels up to three times the amount of a single cigarette

Leukoplakia

Thickened, white, leathery-looking spots on the inside of the mouth that can develop into oral cancer

Short-Term effects of Tobacco Use

Brain chemistry changes, Respiration and heart rate increases, Taste buds are dulled and appetite is reduced, Bad breath, yellowed teeth, and smelly hair, skin and clothing

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use

Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer, Coronary heart disease and stroke, and a weakened immune system

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use; Nervous System

Addiction and Stroke

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use; Respiratory System

Coughing, Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use; Circulatory System

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, Hardened arteries, decreased blood flow, Heart attack and stroke

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use; Excretory System

Cancer of the bladder, Cancer of the kidneys

Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use; Digestive System

Cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, Gum recession, tooth decay, tooth loss, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Cancers of the stomach and pancreas

Legal Consequences

Selling tobacco products to minors is illegal, Using tobacco at school can lead to suspension or expulsion

Costs to Society

Taxpayers pay about $165 billion per year in healthcare costs for smoking-related health care

Costs to Individuals

Smoking one pack of cigarettes a day will cost about $1,500 a year