The basic facts about tobacco and nicotine-- first-hand effects.
Tobacco use is known to cause cancer in various different parts of the body, including the lungs, pancreas, mouth, and throat. According to the CDC website, "smokers have a greater risk for lung cancer today than they did in 1964, even though they smoke fewer cigarettes. One reason may be changes in how cigarettes are made and what they contain." Tobacco use by smoking is also a known contributor to heart disease, stroke, COPD, and issues with fertility and pregnancy.
Nicotine is the most addictive compound in tobacco products. The CDC reports "research suggests that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol."
For more from the CDC website, visit Smoking and Tobacco Use Basic Information.
"Tobacco kills up to half of its users...Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century." ~ World Health Organization (WHO) on Tobacco.
For more from the WHO website, visit Tobacco Health Topic.