Just the Facts on: Tobacco

The Facts
  • Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are illegal to buy, use, and possess under the age of 18.
  • Tobacco is highly addictive and acts as both a stimulant and sedative.
  • Cigarette smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancers in the US. (NIDA)
  • 50,000 deaths per year are caused by secondhand smoke. (NIDA)
  • In Southeastern CT there has been a steady decrease in the perception of harm regarding cigarettes. Only 57% of 10th graders feel cigarettes are harmful. (SERAC Regional Youth Survey 2008-2010)
  • If someone throws a cigarette butt on the ground it will take 25 years to decompose.

According to the 2009 Connecticut School Health Survey conducted by the Connecticut Department of Public Health

  1. 15.3% of Connecticut High School students report being current smokers (lower than the national rate of 19.7%).
  2. 3.3% of Connecticut High School students report being current smokers (lower than the national rate of 6.3%).
The Effects

Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, is highly addictive. There are many consequences from tobacco use.

  • Lung cancer
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Yellow teeth and fingers
  • Bad breath
  • Addiction
Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking can be hard, but you can do it. Here are some tips to help you quit:

  1. Set a quit date
  2. Get rid of all of your cigarettes, ash trays and matches.
  3. Stay away others who are smoking
  4. Get support from family and friends
  5. Do something to distract yourself - take a walk, talk to a friend, vacuum the house
  6. Be prepared for tough times. You will be tempted to smoke but remind yourself of why you decided to quit.
  7. Talk to your doctor about whether available medications are for you and how to use them properly.

Other resources to help with quitting:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/
PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33484
This is in a Cigarette!
  • Nicotine
  • Fuel
  • Paint
  • Methane
  • Arsenic
  • Ammonia
  • Batteries
  • Lighter Fluid