The Effects of Tobacco

The harmful effects of tobacco are becoming increasingly well known. Tobacco is produced from the dried leaves of the tobacco plants. It was brought to the UK from the Americas in the late 16th century. Nicotine is the active ingredient in tobacco.

Methods of Use
Tobacco is most commonly smoked in a cigarette, cigar or a pipe. However it can also be absorbed mucosally or through the gums when taken as snuff or through the skin in patches.

Tobacco use in the UK is widespread, though currently at a lower level than in the mid-20th century. About one in six 14 year-old females smoke regularly, around twice the level for males of the same age. Around 30% of people aged over 16 are smokers. However, male tobacco consumption is only slightly higher than female consumption when pipe tobacco is taken into account.

Short-term Effects
Most commonly, nicotine, tar and gases are absorbed into the blood-stream through the lungs as part of the smoking process. With this method of ingestion, the brain is affected rapidly, producing a sensation which is highly reinforcing to the user: after smoking a cigarette, nicotine is rapidly metabolized, resulting in the desire for another cigarette. Nicotine produces symptoms of stimulation but can also arouse and alleviate anxiety.

Long-term Effects of Tobacco
Nicotine, tar and other gases are absorbed through the lungs, so the damage accrued from smoking principally relates to diseases of the respiratory system. The most common cause of cancer deaths is lung cancer, which is predominantly caused by smoking. Similarly, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are strongly linked to smoking. The likelihood of having a heart attack increases by 3 to 4 times among smokers and 10 times amongst women taking the contraceptive pill. Smoking kills 120 000 people in England and Wales annually.

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