Cancer

• Cancer is the most well-known of the health risks associated with tobacco. Because tobacco is most commonly used in the form of cigarettes or chew, lung cancer and cancers of the mouth and larynx are most common. It has been shown that even those who do not use tobacco products can be affected by secondhand inhalation.
  
  

Cardiovascular Disease

• Smoking tobacco products is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Some studies show that smoking-caused heart disease leads to more deaths than smoking-related lung cancer. The cardiovascular system is damaged by the chemicals in cigarette smoke. Nicotine causes increases in blood pressure, heart rate and coronary blood flow.
  
  

Pulmonary Disease

• Besides lung cancer, additional pulmonary system diseases and weaknesses can result from tobacco use. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common among smokers. Asthma and influenza can be caused or exacerbated by tobacco use or secondhand exposure.
  
  

Indirect Effects of Tobacco Use

• Additional health problems and social issues can arise from tobacco use. Smoking can be a factor in psoriasis, Crohn's disease and skin cancer. Socially, smoking can lead to bad breath, a general unpleasant odor to one's person and clothing, and yellowing of teeth.