Tobacco

Tobacco is defined as any product containing tobacco leaves, stems, seeds, flowers, roots, and cured leaves. Tobacco, like marijuana, is called an herbaceous plant and belongs to the family Solanaceae. Its genus name is Nicotiana and its species name is Tabassum.

Tobacco is known for producing a chemical called nicotine. Nicotine is a drug produced naturally by the tobacco plant. Tobacco contains over 60 different chemicals, including about 50 alkaloids. Alkaloids are substances derived from natural products (such as caffeine) and some synthetic drugs, especially those derived from cocaine. Tobacco produces over 40 alkaloids, all of which have potentially toxic effects. When smoked, the active ingredient in cigarettes is nicotine, which is poisonous to humans.

Nicotine is absorbed rapidly after inhalation and irritates the lungs, mouth, throat, and stomach lining. The smoke contains carbon monoxide and tar, both of which irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Smoking is also associated with heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema.

The United States has approximately 1,700 cigarette factories, producing 10 billion packs of cigarettes per year. Approximately 75% of American adults now smoke regularly.

The nicotine in tobacco affects the brain and nervous system. The effect can be seen immediately after smoking a cigarette. A small amount of nicotine can cause increased alertness and concentration. However, continued use of nicotine increases the chance of developing an addiction.

In addition to causing dependence, nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline. This results in increased blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Nicotine may even increase the risk of stroke.

An estimated 90% of smokers who try to quit become unsuccessful.

Due to smoking. These include cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and breast; cardiovascular disease; and respiratory infections. Research shows that children exposed to second-hand smoke have a higher incidence of respiratory tract infections and asthma attacks.

If you want to quit, here are some tips on how to do it:

• Set a date to quit. Plan and make sure you have everything organized before you give up cigarettes for good.

• Start slowly. Try to cut down gradually on your smoking habit. You’ll feel less anxious if you don't start right away.

• Ask for help. There are many free clinics where you can get advice. Also, talk to someone successful at quitting.

• Tell people not to smoke around you.

• Don't buy cigarettes. Be prepared to spend money on other things instead.

Tobacco causes cancer:

Cancer is caused by DNA damage, which happens when cells divide without control. In the case of tobacco, this damage occurs due to the combustion of smoke. There are two types of carcinogens present in cigarettes: 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These substances cause DNA damage when they enter the body. PAHs are particularly dangerous since they are metabolized directly into carcinogenic compounds. When ABP enters the human system, it binds to DNA and creates adducts that may lead to mutations. Smoke contains many toxic chemicals including nicotine and carbon monoxide. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that affects the dopaminergic reward pathways of the brain. Carbon monoxide blocks oxygen transport and damages red blood cells. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other pulmonary problems.

Tobacco impairs fertility:

Smoking results in decreased sperm quality in men and increased abortion rates in women. Tobacco use among pregnant women puts their unborn children at risk. Babies born to mothers who smoked while pregnant had lower birth weights than babies born to non-smoking moms.

Tobacco can kill:

The majority of smokers die from smoking-related illnesses. Smokers have higher chances of dying prematurely and suffer from chronic conditions associated with smoking.

Smoking disrupts normal breathing patterns:

Smoking alters respiratory function. As a result, smokers often experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

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