The addictive component in tobacco cigarettes is believed to be nicotine, a poisonous alkaloid which stimulates the nervous system causing an increase in blood pressure and decrease in appetite. In large doses, nicotine may act as a depressant.
Cigarette smoking is extremely addictive and has broadspread societal health implications.
Approximately 400,000 Americans die each year from smoking related diseases, usually lung cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, stroke and other cancers. Most of the tobacco information available on the Internet focusses on the political issues regarding the regulation of tobacco sales and usage. We have tried to avoid politically based sites and focus on those which contain medical information and assistance in smoking cessation. This site contains a comprehensive source of research data, news information, educational materials, The Surgeon General's report on tobacco and the CDC's recommendations on how to quit. Oncolink Oncolink is a general cancer resource site constructed at the University of Pennsylvania and supported by Rhone Poulenc Rorer.