Source: Wiist, W., Ed., The Bottom Line or Public Health, Oxford University Press, 2010, pp. 158-159

Cardiovascular system risks of smoking

• 2-4 times higher risk of heart disease
• double the risk of stroke
• risk of abdominal aortic aneurism (ballooning of part of the aorta)
• risk of sudden cardiac death
• damage to blood vessels and blood cells throughout the body.^{1, 2}

Respiratory risks

• 10 times higher risk of dying from chronic obstructive lung disease
• Causes emphysema
• Increased risk of respiratory tract infections
• Frequent asthma flare-ups³

Other health risks

• Bone fracture from decreased bone density and osteoporosis
• Weakened immune system
• Higher rate of complications following surgery, slower healing, and lower survival rate
• Higher work absenteeism and medical costs to self and employer⁴
• Increased exercise-related injuries - muscle tears, bursitis, tendonitis, sprains
• Decreased athletic performance because of decreased oxygen availability to muscles⁵
• Increased risk of heartburn, ulcers, liver disease, and Crohn's disease⁶
• Causes increased skin wrinkling ⁷

Cigars

• Expose mouth and lips directly to tobacco, thus increasing direct exposure of tissues to nicotine
• Increased risk for cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx (voice box), and/or oral cavity (lip, tongue, mouth, throat)
• Linked to gum disease and tooth loss
• Heavy smoking and deep inhaling increase risk of heart disease, emphysema, and bronchitis⁸.

Smokeless tobacco

• Includes chewing tobacco and snuff
• Use is highest among young white males
• Use often starts in middle school
• Delivers high concentration of nicotine and other toxins directly into the body through mouth tissues
• Increased risk of mouth, throat, and pancreatic cancer
• Causes pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay
• Causes reduced sperm count, premature birth, and low birth weight in infants of users ⁹

continued on next page >>