This image shows a patient blowing smoke through a tracheotomy hole. The FDA would like you to know that “research suggests that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
From the FDA: “Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are inhaling many of the same cancer-causing substances and poisons as smokers.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
Moms-to-be should know that “smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillborn or premature infants, infants with low birth weight and an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).” Photograph by courtesy FDA
Another factoid: “More than 1,200 people a day are killed by cigarettes in the United States alone.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
And one for non-smokers: “Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
The FDA on why you should quit: “Quitting gives your body a chance to heal the damage caused by smoking.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
” About 90 percent of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung disease are caused by smoking,” says the FDA. Photograph by courtesy FDA
Did you know that nearly one-third of all cancer deaths are directly linked to smoking? Photograph by courtesy FDA
The link to heart disease: “Compared with nonsmokers, smoking is estimated to increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by two to four times.” Photograph by courtesy FDA
