All tobacco and nicotine products are harmful to health. Although the products differ from one another, what they have in common is nicotine. In addition to causing dependence, nicotine has also other independent health risks. All tobacco and nicotine products contain substances that are particularly harmful to young people, whose brain and lung development is still ongoing. Below are some examples of the health risks of tobacco and nicotine products.
Combustible tobacco products and environmental tobacco smoke
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, a large proportion of which are harmful to health and many of which cause cancer. Smoking cigarettes places strain on the lungs, impairs the functioning of the respiratory system and causes, among other things, lung diseases, several cancers, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. About half of those who use tobacco regularly die from diseases caused by its use.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases, as it constricts blood vessels and impairs blood circulation. In addition, it weakens the body’s immune system and slows down tissue healing, for example after surgery.
Other people are also exposed to the same harmful compounds through tobacco smoke; exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is particularly harmful to children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Smoking indoors leaves harmful compounds on the surfaces of fixed furnishings and in ventilation ducts in homes; these are known as third-hand smoke.
Snus
Snus contains tobacco, large amounts of nicotine and harmful and carcinogenic substances. These are absorbed into the body through the oral mucosa and when swallowed with saliva. The use of snus can cause gum recession, mucosal changes, gum damage and weakening of the supporting tissues of the teeth. In some users, mucosal damage caused by snus may be permanent.
The harms of snus are not limited to the mouth: it affects cardiovascular health and may increase the risk of several cancers. Snus use increases the risk of death in the months following a heart attack and stroke, and heavy snus use increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. A high amount of nicotine combined with the duration of exposure increases the risk of high dependence.
Nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, but they contain nicotine and additives and flavourings that enhance its absorption, such as menthol. There is still limited research evidence on their effects on health, but they are known to irritate the oral mucosa, dry the mouth and cause local damage such as redness, blisters and thinning of the mucosa.
Because the pouches are used on the oral mucosa, exposure to nicotine lasts for long periods, similar to using snus. Long-term use can cause significant harm to oral health. Nicotine increases heart rate with each use and affects the body’s glucose metabolism.
Electronic cigarettes
E-cigarette liquids contain nicotine and substances that, when heated, form aerosol particles. Inhalation of these irritates the lungs and airways and adversely affects lung function. E-cigarettes are particularly harmful to young people, whose brain and lung development is still ongoing. E-cigarettes contain some of the same harmful substances as cigarettes, often in smaller amounts.
The use of e-cigarettes appears to contribute to the development of changes that predispose to cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. In addition, e-cigarettes are likely to cause oral and lung cancer.
Water pipe
The use of a water pipe exposes users to many of the same harmful substances as cigarettes. Water does not remove tar, carbon monoxide or other compounds in the smoke, and a single prolonged water pipe session can expose users to large amounts of harmful substances. The use of a water pipe can impair lung function, increase respiratory symptoms and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sharing a water pipe also increases the risk of infections.
Quitting smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the most significant decisions you can make for your health.
Tobacco and nicotine products
Daily smoking has long been declining, and gender differences in smoking have narrowed, but smoking is still slightly more common among men than among women.