Why is there a big issue with tobacco and smoking?

• It is the only legal consumer item that is highly addictive and kills half of its regular users.
• Linked to various health problems – eg : respiratory, cancer, heart.

What are the types of tobacco smoking?

Smoking may be in the forms of :

• Cigarettes.
• Cigars (Cheroot / Cigarillos).
• Tobacco in pipe.
• Seesha (flavoured water-smoking ; Kamar).

Is there any data on the impact of smoking in Malaysia?

• About 50% of Malaysian men (18 years and above) smoke.
• About 20% teenagers smoke.
• 85% of teenagers end up as cigarette addicts.
• An estimated 3,500 out of 10,000 deaths are related to smoking in Malaysia each year.

What makes a smoker addicted to cigarette?

• Cigarettes contain nicotine which is very addictive, much like heroine and cocaine.
• Repetitive smoking leads to addiction or dependence.Why is smoking dangerous?

Smoking is :

• Related to tobacco related diseases e.g. cancers and heart disease, respiratory / breathing problems.
• Gateway to illicit drug (dadah) abuse.

How is smoking dangerous?

• When smoked, the cigarette releases about 4000 poisonous chemicals.
• Approximately 63 of these chemicals may cause cancer.

Can people surrounding the smoker get the ill-effect?

Yes you can unwittingly become a passive smoker i.e. smoking second hand smoke that comes from a smoker and get the same undesired outcomes like asthma, heart disease etc.

What are the dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke?

Of the 4000 poisons the more well-known ones are :

Tar (material in road-making). Ammonia (material found in floor cleaner). Napthylamine (mothball). Arsenic (termite poison). Nicotine (the addictive component). Cadmium (found in batteries). DDT (mosquito poison). Formaldehyde (to preserve dead bodies). Butane (gas that kills). Methanol (rocket fuel). Hydrogen cyanide (poison). Toluene (solvent). Carbon Monoxide (poisonous gas).

What are the diseases related to smoking and may cause death?

• Airway diseases (Breathing Problems).
• Lung cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Nose-throat cancer.
• Mouth cancer.
• Food tube (aesophageal) cancer.
• Heart disease.
• Renal cancer.
• Stomach (Peptic) ulcer.
• Stroke.

Is passive smoking less dangerous?

No it is the reverse because :

• Compared to the smoke that smokers take in, second hand smoke contains :
  • 2 times the nicotine.
  • 3 times the tar.
  • 5 times more carbon monoxide.
  • 50 times more dangerous chemicals.

Are there any law and regulations on tobacco smoking?

Yes, it is a crime for teenagers to smoke, buy or even to handle any tobacco products. Smoking is prohibited in many places including :

• Schools.
• Hospitals and clinics.
• Government buildings.
• Lifts.
• Airplanes.

When is smoking considered an addiction?

• You get the general feeling of uneasiness and craving when not smoking.
• Some symptoms arise and they may include :
  • Bodily symptoms :
    • Fidgeting.
    • Trembling.
    • Faster heartbeat.
    • Shallow breathing.
  • Thought patterns :
    • Thinking of wanting another puff of cigarette.
    • Having anxious thoughts and worries.
    • Inability to concentrate.
  • Emotional patterns :
    • Irritability
    • Anxiety
    • Edginess.
    • Restlessness
  • Behavioural patterns :
    • Decline in school attendance discipline.
    • Dropping out of school.
    • Change in attitude and behaviour.
    • Involvement in crime e.g. stealing to fund habit.