Commercial tobacco is made by companies and sold in products like cigarettes, chew, cigars, hookahs, and other items. It is mass-produced for profit. Commercial tobacco contains thousands of chemicals. When it burns, it creates more than 7,000 chemical compounds. Many of these chemicals can cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and early death.

Nicotine is the main addictive chemical in commercial tobacco. It causes a quick feeling of stimulation, followed by a drop in mood that makes the person want more. Nicotine also harms the body by speeding up the heart rate, tightening blood vessels, lowering oxygen in the blood, and raising blood pressure. Over time, this can damage organs like the heart.

The Surgeon General’s 2014 report on Smoking and Health shows that smoking is linked to 15 types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD, asthma, diabetes and other diseases. People who breathe secondhand smoke are also at risk of lung cancer, heart disease, SIDS in infants, and problems with pregnancy.

Tobacco companies design their products to be more appealing and more addictive. They specifically target American Indian and Alaska Native people through marketing, giveaways, events, and by misusing cultural images and ideas.

Harmful Effects of Commercial Tobacco Use

Nicotine makes your heartbeat faster and makes your blood vessels smaller, which raises your blood pressure and lessens the amount of oxygen in your body.

Tars are chemicals in commercial tobacco that can cause cancer, heart disease, and lung problems. Tars can also turn teeth and fingernails yellow.

Cigarette smoke damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs that help you breathe and causes coughing and congestion. Over time, this can turn into long-lasting lung diseases.

Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke is a poisonous gas that takes the place of oxygen in your blood. Without enough oxygen, you can have strokes, heart attacks, and problems with your blood vessels. Your bones, muscles, and other tissues can get weaker.