15 - 4 (summary) Flashcards
People who begin smoking are usually imitating others
or responding to seductive advertising.
Smoking is associated with low education level
and the use of other drugs.
Regular tobacco use causes physical dependence on nicotine,
characterized by loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal.
Habits can become associated with tobacco use
and trigger the urge for a cigarette.
Nicotine acts on the nervous system as a stimulant or a depressant.
It can cause blood pressure and heart rate to increase, straining the heart.
Cardiovascular disease is the most widespread
cause of death for cigarette smokers.
Cigarette smoking is linked to
ulcers, impotence, reproductive health problems, dental diseases, and other conditions.
Tobacco use leads to shorter life expectancy
and to a diminished quality of life.
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) contains high concentrations of toxic chemicals
and can cause headaches, eye and nasal irritation, and sinus problems.
Long-term exposure to ETS can cause lung cancer and heart disease.
Infants and young children take in more pollutants than adults do;
children whose parents smoke are especially susceptible to respiratory diseases.
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of
miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, premature birth, and low birthweight.
SIDS, behaviour problems, and long-term impairments in development are also risks.
The overall cost of tobacco use to society includes
the cost of both medical care and lost worker productivity.