Tobacco and Vascular Disease

Tobacco use and exposure may cause an acceleration of coronary artery disease and peptic ulcer disease. It is also linked to reproductive disturbances, esophageal reflux, hypertension, fetal illness and death, and delayed wound healing.

Tobacco and Chemicals

Some of the chemicals associated with tobacco smoke include ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, propane, methane, acetone, hydrogen cyanide and various carcinogens. Other chemicals that are associated with chewing or sniffing tobacco include aniline, napthalene, phenol, pyrene, tar, and 2-naphthylamine.

Tobacco and Cancer

Tobacco and its various components increase the risk of several types of cancer especially cancer of the lung, mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and cervix. Smoking also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chronic lung disease.

Secondhand Smoke and Lung Cancer

Secondhand smoke has been classified as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).

Respiratory Cilia

The bronchus in the lungs are lined with hair-like projections called cilia that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways.  Scattered throughout the cilia are goblet cells that secrete mucus which helps protect the lining of the bronchus and trap microorganisms.

Tobacco Health Risks

In general, chronic exposure to nicotine may cause an acceleration of coronary artery disease, peptic ulcer disease, reproductive disturbances, esophageal reflux, hypertension, fetal illnesses and death, and delayed wound healing.