Tobacco Information

Brief Description:

Through the use of tobacco, nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs and the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Cigarette smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases in the U.S., and about 38,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. Cigarettes and chew tobacco are illegal substances in most U.S. states for those under 18; a handful of states have raised the age to 19.

 Fact Sheet Tobacco          Fact Sheet Tobacco ES

Effects:

Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker’s risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant smokers have a higher risk of miscarriage or low birthweight babies. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.

 

Publications from NIDA & NIAAA:

 Tobacco Addiction Research          Tobacco Addiction Research ES

Tobacco Addiction                              Tobacco Addiction ES

Tobacco Addiction Brief                Smokeless Tobacco Brief