One of the most dangerous habits that Americans and many other people have formed over time is the use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Tobacco smoke has been proven to contain over 7000 different chemicals, many of which are carcinogens, substances that have been clinically proven to cause cancer. Smoking is to blame for about 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States, mostly from lung cancer, which sees 70% or more of its patients from tobacco use. Throat and mouth cancer are just a few more risks associated with smoking, as well as reduced physical performance and heart problems (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/questionsaboutsmokingtobaccoandhealth/questions-about-smoking-tobacco-and-health-cancer-and-health). …show more content…
They remain the most preventable cause of death in America, killing over 480,000 people each year, with over 40,000 of those cases from secondhand smoke alone, usually from cigarettes. Tobacco is used by most age groups, with almost 60% of use seen through ages 18-64 (http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html). Younger ages, which include toddlers and younger aged school children, are also regularly put at risk through secondhand smoke (around 2 out of 5 children under the age of 11). This ratio is even higher in multi-house units, such as apartment complexes and condos (http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/general_facts/index.htm). In fact, the high figures in tobacco related illnesses cost the United States over $300 billion a year, with over half of that cost from medical care alone. The rest is tied to lost productivity, due to the deaths and severe illnesses which put people out of work, aided by increased exposure to tobacco smoke in many workplaces …show more content…
Many people who use tobacco tend to lose weight overtime. Certain liquids however, can “promote” cigarette use by curbing the taste, such as alcohol. Milk has also been known to “demote” the use of cigarettes, by altering the taste in a displeasing manner (http://www.news-medical.net/news/2004/11/01/5991.aspx). Exercise does not do much in terms of preventing the overall negative effects of tobacco, but tobacco does affect physical performance, and is also a leading cause of heart disease