This document discusses the dangers of tobacco and substance use for teenagers. It notes that teenage drinking can negatively impact brain development. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and while smoking rates have declined, many still smoke. E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals, and studies have found carcinogens in secondhand e-cigarette emissions. The bottom line is that e-cigarettes are a tobacco product and their long term health impacts are still unknown, so proven methods of quitting smoking like those discussed at Lung.org are recommended.

1. PREVENTION
Character Ed April 2017

2. LEARNINGTARGET
I know the problems that can occur because
of tobacco and substance use.
I know how to prevent problems with
tobacco and substance use/abuse.

3. ALCOHOL HARMSTHETEEN BRAIN…
The brains of teenage drinkers often aren’t as
active as the brains of nondrinkers, even when
sober.
For a teen, it’s poison.
When society says that 18 year olds are adults…
it’s important to understand that your brain
won’t fully develop until around age 25!

4. WHAT HAPPENS INTHE BRAIN OF ATEEN?
http://parentsempowered.org/why/brain-
damage/

5. TOBACCO…
Tobacco use is the leading cause of
preventable death in the United States,
imposing a terrible toll in health, lives and
dollars on families, businesses and
government.

6. TOBACCO…
While the United States has made major
progress against tobacco use, 40 million
Americans still smoke.
About 2,500 kids try their first cigarette
each day.
Don’t be one of those kids…

7. DON’T BLOW SMOKE… BLOW BUBBLES
 Smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer deaths.
 Part of the addictive power of nicotine comes from its direct effect on the brain. In
addition to the chemical dependency, cigarette smokers also show evidence of a
higher rate of behavioral problems and suffer the following immediate effects:
1. Increases Stress - contrary to popular belief, smoking does not relieve
stress. Studies show, smokers have higher levels of stress.
2. Alters brain chemistry. When compared to non-smokers, smokers brain
cells- specifically brain cell receptors- have been shown to have fewer dopamine
receptors.
3. Immediate and Rapid Effects on the Respiratory System -
Bronchospasm, increased phlegm, persistent cough, decreased physical
performance… along with MANY other health problems!

8. SMOKING CAN DAMAGE EVERY PART OF
THE BODY… DON’T START!!!

9. WHAT ARE IN E-CIGARETTES?
 The main component of e-cigarettes is the e-liquid contained in cartridges.To
create an e-liquid, nicotine is extracted from tobacco and mixed with a base
(usually propylene glycol), and may also include flavorings, colorings and other
chemicals.
 Nicotine is an addictive substance, and almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine.
Even some products that claim not to have any nicotine in them may still contain
it.
 We don't presently know what is in e-cigarettes. (This is a BIG problem…) Since e-
cigarettes are currently unregulated, companies can put dangerous chemicals in
them.

10. SECOND-HAND “SMOKE” FROM E-CIGS?
 As public spaces increasingly become smokefree, reports show
some people are attempting to use e-cigarettes in public spaces
which are smokefree, like bars, restaurants and even public
transit.
 While e-cigarettes do not contain smoke, they do expose others
to secondhand emissions.Two studies have found
formaldehyde, benzene and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (all
carcinogens) coming from those secondhand emissions.

11. BOTTOM LINE…
 E-cigarettes are a tobacco product.The American Lung Association remains
concerned about their impact on the public health, given the dramatic increase in
use among youth. As FDA begins its oversight of these products, we will learn
more about them and more safeguards will be put in place to protect the public
health.
 Smokers who wish to quit can learn more about ways that have been proven safe
and effective in helping smokers quit at Lung.org/stop-smoking.