Tobacco Facts
Starting to smoke
 Approximately 9 out of 10 adult smokers
began smoking as teens and continue to smoke
into adulthood
 1 out of 3 adults who started smoking as teens
will die from smoking
 Most teens report that they start smoking
because of peer pressure
 Many others say they start because of
advertising that makes smoking seem
attractive
 Some teens say they think the bad effects of
smoking won’t happen until they have smoked
for many years. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Smoking and Diseases
 Chronic bronchitis is a condition where tar
from cigarettes builds up in the lungs, and
results in coughing up mucus
 Emphysema is a condition where the lungs
are partially destroyed, and more breaths are
required to get enough oxygen.
 Lung cancer is where the lung cells are
destroyed by a cancerous growth. It is started
by the chemicals in smoke, and causes death.
Tobacco
Description:
 Crushed and dried leaves of the tobacco plant.
 The second most popular drug.
 Nicotine in tobacco is largely responsible for the short-term effects of smoking
and its addictive nature.
Other Names:
 Cigarettes, smokes, sticks, butts.
Short-Term Effects:
 The person's pulse rate and blood pressure will rise.
 The person's skin will become cooler.
 The amount of acid in the stomach will increase.
 The amount of urine produced will decrease.
 At first, activity in the person's brain and nervous system will speed up, then it
slows down.
 The person's appetite decreases.
 The person will be less capable of vigorous physical activity.
Long-Term Effects:
 Blood vessels in the heart and brain will narrow or darken.
 The person will be short of breath, cough often.
 Will be more likely to get infections in the lungs, such as pneumonia.
 May develop chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
 More likely to get cancer of the lungs, mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder,
Kidney or pancreas. .
 May get stomach ulcers.
 Premature aging of the skin.
 A pregnant woman who smokes is more likely to have a premature baby, or
one with a lower birth weight.
 A woman smoker who takes birth control pills is more likely to develop blood
dots and also increases her risk for heart attack and stroke.
 Staining of hands.
Legal Status/Consequences (in Canada)
 There is no penalty for smoking under 19 in Ontario because there is no legal
age to smoke.
 It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco to a person under 19 years of age in
Ontario. . Smoking is prohibited on ALL school property (up to $1000 fine for
first conviction).
Tobacco Quick Facts

Nearly 50 million Americans smoke -- including one in five
teenagers

Cigarette smoking is perhaps the most devastating preventable
cause of disease and premature death

Smoking is responsible for close to 450,000 deaths each year.

Exercising and participating in sports is nearly impossible if you
smoke cigarettes.

Young smokers are 100 times more likely to smoke pot and
become addicted to other illicit substances such as heroin and
cocaine.

Smoking can lead to many physical problems, including
emphysema, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Smoking makes you smell bad, gives you bad breath, and gives
you premature wrinkles.

Experimenting with smoking could lead to full- fledged addiction
and a lifetime of trying to quit.

Smoking puts your health and the health of those around you at
risk.

Smoking isn't "in" anymore.

Smoking may actually contribute to your state of agitation.

If you know someone who smokes, be part of the solution. Urge
your friend to get help and quit.

Students who take up smoking show a decrease in academic
achievement and motivation.

The average age at which students smoke their first whole
cigarette is 11.

22% of all deaths in Canada are attributable to smoking.

Half of all students who smoke have tried to quit but failed?
What Are the Risks With Smoking Cigarettes?

Diminished or extinguished sense of smell and taste

Frequent colds

Smoker's cough

Gastric ulcers

Chronic bronchitis

Increase in heart rate and blood pressure

Premature and more abundant face wrinkles

Emphysema

Heart disease

Stroke

Cancer of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, lungs, pancreas,
cervix, uterus, and bladder
What Happens When I Quit?
 Within 20 Minutes:
o Your blood pressure, pulse rate and body temperature will drop
to normal.
 Within Eight Hours:
o Your Smoker's Breath disappears. Oxygen levels in your blood
rises to normal and carbon monoxide levels drops to normal.
 Within 24 Hours:
o Your chance of having a heart attack decreases.
 Within 48 Hours:
o Your nerve endings begin to recover as does your sense of taste
and smell.
 Within 72 Hours (Three Days):
o Your bronchial tubes expand, lung volume increases and
breathing becomes easier.
 Within Two to Three Months:
o Your lung capacity increases up to 30 per cent. Circulation
improves and walking becomes easier.
 Within One to Nine Months:
o Shortness of breath diminishes, energy levels improve and sinus
congestion decreases. The cilia that remove debris from your
lungs grow back.
 Within One Year:
o The risk of having a heart attack decreases to half that of a
person who smokes.
 Within Two Years:
o Your risk of having a heart attack will drop to almost normal.
 Within Five Years:
o Your lung, mouth, throat and esophageal cancer risks will be
reduced to half if you smoked a pack a day. Your risk of having a
stroke is reduced.
 Within 10 Years:
o Your risk of having lung cancer is no greater than that of a nonsmoker.
 Within 15 Years:
o Your risk of coronary disease is the same as a person who has
never puffed on a cigarette.