Tobacco

The Effects

• Smoking any drug gets it to the brain quickly. When a smoker inhales, the nicotine reaches the brain in around 8 seconds.
• Speeds up the heart rate and increases blood pressure
• Regular smokers say it helps them relax, feel less hungry and concentrate

The Risks

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Respiratory problems such as Bronchitis etc
• Pregnant women risk having low weight/premature babies
• There are approximately 120,000 smoking related deaths in the UK each year

The Law

• Legal to buy if over 16 yrs of age
• As of March 2006 illegal to smoke in public buildings, pubs, restaurants etc.
• There may be a change in the law regarding the age for purchase – from 16 to 18 years

Street Names

• Fags
• Rollies
• Smokes
• Ciggies
• Tabs