Sidestream smoke is more harmful to nonsmokers than mainstream smoke, because sidestream smoke has not had any tars or other chemicals removed by the smoker's lungs. Students read about effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Environmental Tobacco Smoke Have students read the student page. Brainstorm effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Ask students to brainstorm other ways that environmental tobacco could affect their family, their friendships, the workplace, the health care system, insurance rates, etc.
Smoking kills more people every year than all other drugs combined, including alcohol.
Smoking alters normal structure and function of the body, as seen in premature wrinkling, diminished ability to smell and bone loss leading to osteoporosis. In addition, most forms of cancer are worsened by tobacco use. Almost 90 percent of male lung cancer victims were smokers. Only 14 percent of lung cancer victims survive beyond five years after diagnosis. Fires caused by smokers kill about 1,700 people every year and cause more than 4,000 injuries.