Smoking and drinking are injurious to health!
We have seen this in every movie we see, but we never try to quit tobacco.
Oh, I'm stressed out, let's go and have a cigarette!
This is the statement that most of your friends use whenever all of you are in tension or anything.
Also, most people use relaxation techniques by chewing a few things such as pan, gutka, khaini, beedi, etc. You think it's a relaxing option to bring you out from stress and tension. But do you know more than providing relaxation it's increasing lots of hidden complications in your body?
Why is tobacco harmful?
Tobacco is a plant whose leaves are used to make certain products such as cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc. The main ingredient present in tobacco is nicotine which has a highly addictive nature that majorly affects the brain and body.
Harmful ingredients present in tobacco:
Tobacco is a mixture of 7000 different chemicals which are harmful and toxic. Other than nicotine there are a few ingredients present in tobacco such as:
Ingredient |
Effects |
Ingredient |
Effects |
|
Nicotine |
Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that affects the nervous system. |
Benzene |
Benzene can cause leukemia as it is harmful found in industrial solvents. |
|
Tar |
Tar is a black sticky substance that affects the lungs causing respiratory diseases. |
Formaldehyde |
Formaldehyde is mostly used as a preservative which is also a cancer-causing ingredient. |
|
It is a colorless and odorless gas that can lead to heart problems. |
Acetaldehyde |
It is a byproduct of alcohol which is also carcinogenic. |
|
|
Cadmium |
It is generally used in batteries and is known to cause kidney diseases and nervous system problems. |
Nitrosamines |
Nitrosamines are specifically found in tobacco plants and are highly carcinogenic. |
|
Lead |
Lead can affect almost every part of the body due to its toxic nature. |
Ammonia |
Ammonia is generally used in cleaning products that irritate the respiratory system. |
|
Arsenic |
Arsenic is mostly used in pesticides which is known to cause cancer and heart problems. |
Hydrogen Cyanide |
It is used in chemical weapons that interfere with cellular respiration. |
|
Nickel |
Nickel is a toxic substance that can cause lung and nasal cancers. |
It damages the lining of the lungs. |
Here is the list of problems associated with tobacco:
Cancer:
As mentioned above tobacco contains most of the cancer-causing ingredients and causes many types of cancers such as:
- Lung cancer
- Oral cancer
- Throat cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Stomach cancer
Respiratory Diseases:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma exacerbation
Cardiovascular Diseases:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease
- Atherosclerosis
Reproductive Health Issues:
- Reduced fertility
- There will be complications in pregnancy such as premature birth of a child and low birth weight.
- Higher chances of stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Oral Health Problems:
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Tooth loss
- Oral lesions and leukoplakia
Weakened Immune System:
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Slower wound healing
Frequently asked questions about tobacco:
1)What are the gum problems associated with tobacco?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the major problems caused by tobacco. Plaque and calculus irritate the gums and result in gum problems. Also the shortage of oxygen by tobacco because of that the infected gums do not heal properly.
2) What is the difference between smoking & smokeless tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco which is orally taken, chewing(smokeless) tobacco is not mostly contributed by enough chemicals as compared to smoking tobacco cigarettes are inhaled the burned tobacco leaves smoke which means both are surely not safe for human consumption.
3) How to remove tobacco stains on teeth?
There are several methods available to remove tobacco stains on teeth. Firstly rinse your mouth with water to clear the debris and brush your teeth with toothpaste(teeth whitening toothpaste), Colgate optic white toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide that can best help you to remove tobacco stains on your teeth. Also, professional cleaning treatments at dental clinics are a good option to remove tobacco stains on teeth.
4)Why aren't people quitting tobacco?
Nicotine is the main drug that is an addictive stimulant. Majorly people relax after consuming it because of the stress and pressure. As it gives them temporary relaxation and due to the addictive nature of nicotine people aren't able to quit tobacco.
5)Is vaping better than smoking?
Vaping is exposed to fewer chemicals as compared to smoking. It is also a nicotine addiction. But both are equally harmful.
6)When is World Tobacco Day?
May 31st is World Tobacco Day NO USE TOBACCO spread awareness among the people to quit Tobacco because of its harmful effects. World Health Organisation announced Tobacco Day on May 31st.
7)Does tobacco cause painful death?
Yes, it surely kills the person who consumes tobacco. It slowly starts with being caught or some of the mucous issues and irritates the throat later on. It becomes severe by attacking lungs and because of the cancer-causing chemicals present in tobacco, it may result in death.
8)What are the government programs to quit tobacco?
Here are the main government programs that create awareness among people to quit tobacco:
NTCP: National Tobacco Control Programme, this program was launched in 2007-2008 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The main components of this program are Tobacco cessation centers (counseling and support for individuals to quit tobacco), and national quitline- 1800-11-2356(providing tele-support for people who want to quit tobacco). It also does public awareness campaigns to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco.
Cessation Program: It is a mobile-based program that uses text messages to guide to quit tobacco. Users can register themselves by sending a message to 56161 through the health and ministry’s website.
Concluding, tobacco is a harmful and toxic substance that needs to be stopped at any cost. Knowing the harmful effects of tobacco can best help you to quit tobacco and lead a healthier life.