What are the Harmful Effects of Tobacco?
Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves, which are dried and fermented before being put in tobacco products. Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that makes it difficult for people to quit using tobacco products. The use of tobacco products can have serious health consequences. Here are three of the most harmful effects of tobacco use:
Cancer: Tobacco use is linked to many types of cancer, including lung, throat, mouth, stomach, bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. People who smoke are more likely to develop these types of cancer than those who do not smoke.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Smoking narrows the blood vessels, which decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the heart. This can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Respiratory Diseases: Smoking damages the lungs and can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases the risk of asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases.