II. Tobacco

Objectives

• Main drug found in tobacco is nicotine.
• Diseases associated with smoking and nonsmoking tobacco.
• Addictive capabilities of nicotine.
• Explain what can happen to the fetus if a pregnant woman smokes.
  

Effects of Tobacco

Nicotine, the main drug in tobacco, is on of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States.  Nicotine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and a sedative.  The ingestion of nicotine results in an almost immediate “kick” because it causes a discharge of epinephrine from the brain, resulting in stimulation.  Stimulation is then followed by depression and fatigue, leading the abuser to seek more nicotine. 

In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke is primarily composed of a dozen gases (mainly carbon monoxide) and tar.  The exposer to these compounds may lead to a high expectancy rate of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that second-hand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children and sudden infant death.

Pregnant females should avoid cigarette smoke because babies to be born prematurely, and have lower birth weight, respiratory diseases, and other illnesses.  Low birth weight is the leading cause of infant death. 

Smokeless tobacco is less risky than smoking, though still dangerous.  Some other effects are:  tooth abrasion, gum recession, increased tooth decay, tooth discoloration and bad breath, nicotine dependence, unhealthy eating habits, and oral cancer.  Some danger signs of oral cancer are:  a sore that does not heal, a lump or white patch, a prolonged sore throat, difficulty in chewing, restricted movement of the tongue or jaws, a feeling of something in the throat. 

Tobacco Facts:

• There are 1.1 billion smokers in the world today, and if current trends continue, that number is expected to increase to 1.6 billion by the year 2025.
• A typical manufactured cigarette contains approximately 8 or 9 milligrams of nicotine, while the nicotine content of a cigar is 100 to 200 milligrams, with some as high as 400 milligrams. 
• Benzene is a known cause of acute myeloid leukemia, and cigarette smoke is a major source of benzene exposure.  Among U.S. smokers, 90% of benzene exposures come from cigarettes.
• Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer causing chemical compounds, 11 of which are known to be Group 1 carcinogens.  
• Worldwide, one in five teens age 13 to 15 smoke cigarettes.
• Tobacco use is expected to claim one billion lives this century unless serious anti-smoking efforts are made on a global level. 

E-cigarettes

• E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).”
• Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “JUULing.”
• The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:
  • Nicotine
  • Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
  • Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
  • Volatile organic compounds
  • Cancer-causing chemicals
  • Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead¹

Summary:

• Nicotine is the main drug in tobacco and is a stimulant. 
• Second hand smoke causes lung cancer.
• Smokeless tobacco is less risky than smoking though still dangerous and may cause cancer.