Education - Prevention - Cessation

Why Quit
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The Moment You Stop Smoking Better Health Begins...

Immediately

20
Minutes
8 Hours
24 Hours
48 Hours
2 to 12 Weeks
1 to 9 months
1 Year
10 to 15 Years
The air around you is no longer dangerous to children and other adults Your blood pressure drops to normal

Your pulse rate drops to normal

The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal

 Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal

Oxygen level in your blood increases to normal

 Chance of heart attack decreases Senses of smell and taste improve Circulation improves

Lung function increases up to 30%

Walking becomes easier

 Coughing and sinus congestion decrease

Shortness of breath decreases

Overall energy increases

Lungs increase their ability to clean themselves and reduce infection

 Risk of premature coronary heart disease falls by 50% Life expectancy comparable to people who never smoked

Consequences of Inhaling Tobacco Smoke

The health consequences of tobacco use may include lung cancer, laryngeal and esophageal cancers, oral cancers, emphysema, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Additionally, tobacco smoke can be linked to impotence or infertility, a lowered immune system, and a greater chance of debilitating disease or premature death.

Nicotine is the highly addictive substance in tobacco that stimulates the nervous system. Within seconds after inhaling tobacco smoke, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate all increase. Even a single puff can adversely affect the body.

Approximately one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to the use of tobacco products Worldwide, smoking is the cause of millions of deaths every year. Smoking and tobacco use are among the most preventable causes of mortality in the world today.

WHAT’S IN TOBACCO SMOKE?

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic to the body. Several of these chemicals – at least 60 – are carcinogens, which means that they have been proven to cause cancer in humans.

The following are some of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke and examples of other substances in which they are commonly found:
Naphthalene – mothball chemical
Nitrobenzene – gasoline additive
Arsenic – poison
Cadmium – component in batteries
Mercury – found in thermometers
Stearic acid – candle wax
Carbon monoxide – car exhaust
Butane – cigarette lighter fuel
Ammonia – household cleaner
Vinyl chloride – component of PVC pipe
Nitrous oxide – disinfectant
DDT – insecticide banned by most western industrialized nations
Acetic acid – vinegar
Acetone – nail polish remover
Formaldehyde – embalming fluid
Hexamine – barbecue lighter
Hydrogen cyanide – gas chamber poison
Methanol – rocket fuel
Nicotine – addictive drug
Toluene – industrial solvent

BENEFITS FROM QUITTING

Short-Term Benefits

  • Your sense of taste and smell improve
  • Your hair, clothes and breath smell clean
  • You breathe more deeply
  • You save money

Long-Term Benefits

  • Your smoker’s cough is gone for good
  • You have fewer colds
  • You lower your risk of heart attack, lung disease and many cancers
  • You have a longer life expectancy

Ripple Effect

  • You sleep better and have more energy
  • You find new interests, hobbies, and friends
  • Your self esteem improves

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