What are the effects on individual smokers?

Tobacco kills about 2,500 people in Maine every year and nearly 430,000 people in the United States. That's more than illegal drugs, alcohol, AIDS and car crashes combined. Tobacco is the number one cause of death and disease, and is also the most preventable. Death usually follows years of suffering a reduced quality of life. In fact, the average smoker will die 15 years earlier than a non-smoker. If a smoker quits their life expectancy will improve.

All smokers are at extra risk for...

• Aortic aneurysm
• Cancer of the kidney and urinary bladder
• Cancer of the mouth, throat and voice box
• Cancer of the pancreas
• Cataracts
• Chronic bowel disease (Crohn's Disease)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Coronary heart disease (heart attacks)
• Emphysema
• Gum disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Lung cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Peptic ulcers
• Peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems)
• Pneumonia/Influenza “the flu”
• Sleep problems (falling asleep inappropriately and/or frequent waking)
• The common cold
• Thyroid disease (Grave's Disease)
• Tooth decay (cavities) 

Female smokers are at an extra risk for...

• Cancer of the cervix (womb)
• Menstrual problems
• Fertility problems (Women who smoke are three times more likely than nonsmokers to be infertile)  

What happens when you smoke during pregnancy?

• Smoking during pregnancy reduced oxygen and blood flow to the baby. This can cause the mother to have:
• Bleeding problems
• Labor complications
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Nutrition Deficiencies – (Example: in order to rid the body of cyanide brought in by cigarettes the body uses available protein and Vitamin B-12, instead of these vitamins going to the fetus)
• The fetus can be affected
• Premature birth (lungs are often not fully formed)
• Low weight at birth (this does not make labor easier. In fact a low-birth weight baby is at greater risk during labor)
• Infant may have asthma or allergies
• Infant has a 3 times greater chance of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Linked to childhood behavior problems
• Exposure to nicotine can raise the blood pressure and slow the heart beat on an unborn baby
• Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that pushes oxygen out of mother's blood and can damage the baby's body and brain. The lead in cigarettes may also damage the baby's brain.