The Cigarette:
- Both “light” and “regular” cigarettes are equally toxic.
- The filters in cigarettes do not make the toxins in the smoke any less harmful.
Toxic Chemicals:
- Nicotine is an addictive substance because it affects the brain.
- Besides nicotine, there are 4000 additional chemicals in cigarettes. At least 60 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer.
Smokers:
- Over 400,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to cigarette smoking.
- Recent immigrants, laborers, and those with less education tend to smoke more than other people. These people are also the targets of the tobacco companies.
- Children whose family members smoke are more likely to become smokers.
- Smoking is often the “gateway drug”, the first step leading to use of street drugs.
People Living With or Working Around Smokers:
- These people are also affected by cigarette smoke.
- Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to pregnant women, children, and infants.
- Women who smoke have a 300% higher chance of getting breast cancer than women who don’t smoke.
- People working in restaurants or bars where smoking is allowed have a higher chance of developing lung cancer. They may breathe in up to 1.5 – 2 packs worth of cigarettes from second hand smoke.
- Over 53,000 people who do not smoke die of smoke related diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease every year.