Name __________________________________ Class _________________ Date ___________
Section 16-3
Summary
Risks of Tobacco Use (pp. 410–416)
Objectives
• Describe the long-term health risks of tobacco use.
• Identify the long-term risks of exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Examine how smoking by a pregnant woman can affect her baby.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco use
increases a person’s risk of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and
several different forms of cancer. It is estimated that more than 6 million children living
today will die early because they start to smoke during their teen years.
If a person continues to smoke over a long period of time, the damage that occurs to
the respiratory system becomes permanent. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is a disease that results in a gradual loss of lung function. Chronic bronchitis and
emphysema are two types of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the airways
are constantly inflamed. Chronic bronchitis causes an increase in the production of mucus,
which constricts airways and makes breathing difficult. Emphysema is a disorder in which
the alveoli of the lungs can no longer function properly. The alveoli lose shape and elasticity
and start to break down.
Cigarette smoking increases a person’s risk for heart attack, stroke, and circulation
problems. The combined effects of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide force the
cardiovascular system to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Tobacco
use also increases blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and promotes atherosclerosis. In
addition, nicotine increases the blood’s tendency to form clots.
Tobacco use is a major factor in the development of lung cancer, oral cancers, and
several other cancers. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both women and
men. Most deaths caused by lung cancer are related to smoking. Tobacco users may develop
white patches called leukoplakia (look oh PLAY kee uh) on their tongues or the lining of
their mouths. These patches should be monitored by a doctor because they may become
cancerous.
Mainstream smoke is exhaled from a smoker’s lungs. Sidestream smoke goes directly
into the air from a cigarette. Secondhand smoke is a combination of mainstream and
sidestream smoke. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cardiovascular
disease, many respiratory problems, and cancer. Children who are exposed to secondhand
smoke at home develop frequent respiratory infections and are more likely to develop asthma
and allergies.
Pregnant women who smoke put their babies at risk for many health problems.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have low birth-weights. This is a risk
factor for cerebral palsy, sight impairment, hearing problems, and learning difficulties.
Pregnant women who smoke increase their risk of miscarriages, premature births, and
stillbirths.
Name __________________________________ Class _________________ Date ___________
Section 16-3
Note Taking Guide
Risks of Tobacco Use (pp. 410–416)
Long-Term Risks
1. What three serious health problems are associated with long-term use of tobacco?
a. _____________________________________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________________________________
c. _____________________________________________________________________
Respiratory Diseases
2. Complete the graphic organizer about the effects of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Name __________________________________ Class _________________ Date ___________
Section 16-3: Note Taking Guide (continued)
Cardiovascular Disease
3. Complete the table about increased risks of cardiovascular disease to smokers compared
to nonsmokers.
Type of
Cardiovascular Disease
Increased Risk
to Smokers
a. __________________________________
two to three times
b. __________________________________
two times
c. __________________________________
ten times
Cancer
4. Complete the graphic organizer about cancers linked to tobacco.
Name __________________________________ Class _________________ Date ___________
Section 16-3: Note Taking Guide (continued)
Secondhand Smoke
5. Classify each example as mainstream smoke, sidestream smoke, or secondhand smoke.
a. Rises directly from cigarette
____________________________________________________________________
b. Exhaled from smoker’s lungs
____________________________________________________________________
c. Long-term exposure can cause serious diseases
____________________________________________________________________
d. Some tar and nicotine is trapped
____________________________________________________________________
e. Contains twice as much tar and nicotine
____________________________________________________________________
f. Especially harmful to children
____________________________________________________________________
Tobacco Use and Pregnancy
6. Complete the graphic organizer about tobacco use and pregnancy.