Major Harmful Ingredients in Tobacco
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MAJOR HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN TOBACCO:

#1. NICOTINE-an addictive and poisonous drug found in ALL tobacco products-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine speeds up heart rate and blood pressure, making the body work harder, but less efficiently. Nicotine is also a mood-altering drug. (That means it changes the way people feel.) First it causes people to feel alert, awake, energized, and "up." [Yes, it is a central nervous system (CNS)stimulant.] Then calm and relaxed. It also decreases hunger. Some people use this as an excuse to smoke. They're afraid if they don't smoke, they'll gain weight. Problem is, smoking causes MANY more serious problems than a few extra pounds even will! The major reason people continue using tobacco is to create the pleasant feelings (improved mood, alterness, & energy) caused by nicotine. Or to prevent the opposite unpleasant feelings (such as being tense, nervous, moody, hungry, "down," or depressed) that can happen when they stop. Companies that make tobacco products purposely design them to be sure they contain enough nicotine to cause addiction. This keeps customers buying the products. People who are addicted have a very strong urge to use, and don't feel good without it. DANGER! There is no such thing as a "safe" level of nicotine. ANY amount can be harmful. Even occasional use may lead to addiction.

#2. TAR- (like the black gooey stuff used to pave driveways) contains cancer causing agents know as carcinogens. The white smoke that is inhaled turns into a brown sticky substance that coats the lung tissue. Except for the little bit that is coughed up, the rest remains there forever.

#3. CARBON MONOXIDE- (think car exhaust fumes) a highly poisonous gas that replaces oxygen in the blood causing smokers to get short of breath. This is why coaches tell athletes not to smoke. Carbon monoxide can also impair hearing and night vision.

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