Alcohol and Smoking

Question 1

Why is tar bad?

Answer 1

it is a carcinogen and results in lung cancer

Question 2

What is nicotine?

Answer 2

an addictive drug which affects the nervous system, it increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels

Question 3

What is carbon monoxide?

Answer 3

a poisonous gas that attaches to haemoglobin, displacing oxygen so less oxygen is carried in the blood, making the heart work harder which can lead to disease

Question 4

What are particulates?

Answer 4

small pieces of solid which are engulfed by white blood cells

Question 5

Why are particulates bad?

Answer 5

when they are engulfed by white blood cells, an enzyme is released that weakens the walls of the alveoli, the alveoli do not inflate properly when the person inhales so less oxygen in the blood, they become breathless. (emphysema)

Question 6

How are the other substances in cigarette smoke bad?

Answer 6

they paralyse the ciliated cells lining the airways allowing mucus to flow in the lungs, can result in a bronchitis infection or smokers cough, both which damage the lungs

Question 7

Why is alcohol bad?

Answer 7

• Alcohol contains the drug ethanol which affects the nervous system
  
  • It is a depressant, it slows down the body’s reactions
    Even in small quantities alcohol can alter your
    behaviour

Question 8

What are some short term effects of alcohol?

Answer 8

blurred vision, loss of balance and slower reaction times

Question 9

What are some long term effects of alcohol?

Answer 9

alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, stomach ulcers, heart disease, brain damage and depression

Question 10

How is the liver affected in alcoholism?

Answer 10

• Ethanol is toxic to humans so your liver breaks it down into waste products
  
  • The liver cells of heavy drinkers are replaced by fat which reduces the effectiveness of the liver
  • Over time the liver will scar