Effects of Tobacco

There are numerous negative effects from using tobacco. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 438,000 deaths per year are the direct effect of the negative impact tobacco has on the body. These effects are prevalent, regardless of the type of tobacco used. Chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, pure tobacco and cigarette tobacco are all the same.
Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
Tobacco causes a rise in blood pressure, which decreases the flow of oxygen to the heart. In turn, the heart does not pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. This affects all of the body’s organs, which need oxygen to function properly.
Increased Cancer Risk
People who use tobacco are more likely to develop certain cancers. Lung cancer is more prevalent in smokers than in non-smokers. Cancers of the throat, tongue or gums are more prevalent in people who dip or chew tobacco. However, smokers also risk an increase in the possibility of developing these cancers.
Faster Aging
Because of the chemicals added to commercially available tobacco, users will age faster than normal. These chemicals, which include arsenic, essentially poison the body from the inside out. Couple this with the impact tobacco has on the circulatory and respiratory systems, and the user is moving his time of death closer and closer.
Ulcers
Chewing tobacco may cause mouth ulcers. This is partially because the tobacco is mixed with minute pieces of glass, which pierce the gums, much like a needle. This allows the tobacco to enter the blood stream faster.
Sexual Effects
In a study done by the Mayo Clinic, smokers reported a lower sex drive than non-smokers. Additionally, an increase in infertility is a possibility when using tobacco products.