The Facts About The Facts About TobaccoTobacco

NicotineNicotine

Naturally occurring addictive substanceEnters bloodstream and travels to the brain in less than 10 seconds.Effects brain cells responsible for memory and mood control.Stays active for 20-40 minutes.

NicotineNicotine

Immediate EffectsIncreases heart rateBlood vessels constrictLower skin temperature“Head rush”

Long-Term EffectsHigh blood pressureBlockage of blood vesselsReduced effectiveness of immune systemWrinkling of skin

CigarettesCigarettes

Lighter-colored leaf used in AmericaCombined with “tobacco sheet”Various additives addedNicotine is extracted and added back in controlled amounts for consistency

CigarettesCigarettes

95% in U.S. are filtered.“Lights” have filter vents to dilute smoke with fresh air, but these are blocked by fingers or lips.Menthol produces a cool, numbing sensation in the throat.

““Refreshing” Chemicals Refreshing” Chemicals in Tobacco Smokein Tobacco Smoke

Nicotine – bug sprayAmmonia – window cleanerFormaldehyde – preserves dead bodiesCyanide – rat poisonAcetone – fingernail polish removerMethanol – rocket fuelCarbon Monoxide – car exhaust

Spit TobaccoSpit Tobacco

Chewing TobaccoLoosely packed, bricks, ropesLeaves cut in stripsWad placed between cheek and gum towards back of mouth

DipLeaves cut very finePinch placed between lower lip or cheek and gum

Chemicals in Spit TobaccoChemicals in Spit Tobacco

Nicotine - Addictive drugPolonium 210 – Nuclear wasteFormaldehyde – Embalming fluidNitrosamines – Cancer-causing chemicalsCadium – Found in car batteriesLead – Nerve Poison

Spit TobaccoSpit TobaccoNot a Safe AlternativeNot a Safe Alternative

Each tin or package has as much nicotine as 30 – 40 cigarettes.Spit has 10 times the amount of nitrosamines found in cigarettes.

Cigars and Pipes

Media influence and social acceptance have made them popular again.Contain the same deadly chemicals and nicotine as other forms of tobacco.Most chemicals and nicotine are absorbed by the lining of the mouth and throat.

Cigars and Pipes

Pipe tobacco is often combined with sugar, honey, and other flavorings to enhance its taste and smell.The secondhand smoke from one cigar equals the amount from three cigarettes.The carbon monoxide released from a cigar is 30 times higher than a cigarette.

Bidis, Beedies, Beadies

Contain crushed tobacco leaves hand-rolled in Tendu leaves.Sold in different flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, cinnamon, and chocolate.Sell for 10 cents a pack in India and considered “poor man’s cigarette”; cost around $3 in the U.S. and are considered “trendy”.

Bidis, Beedies, Beadies

Contain up to 8% nicotine compared to 1%-2% in American cigarettes.Unfiltered bidi releases 3 to 5 times more tar than regular cigarettes.Bidi smoke contains more chemicals such as ammonia and carbon monoxide than regular cigarette smoke.

Bidis, Beedies, Beadies

In 1999, 2.4% of middle school students and 5% of high school students are current bidis smokers.

--(MMWR, January 2000)