Every once in a while I jump on my high horse and start preaching the dangers of tobacco to any poor sap who feels like listening. In truth, I don't really care if you feel like listening, you smoke, I preach, you smoke around kids, I preach louder.

Smoking is bad enough but smoking around children means you clearly don't know the facts of what tobacco is doing to those around you who do not smoke. These days there is just too much information available to deny the truth about tobacco usage; quitting is not only beneficial to you but for those around you. It is with these simple facts in mind that I rant on...

Among the thousands of resources online for educating about tobacco and its effects, the best all around resource for tobacco facts I've found online is tobaccofacts.org. Tobacco Facts is a resource out of British Columbia Canada that really helps educate in an easy to follow and comprehensive manner.

Along with the interactive tobacco mummy (image to the left, click on picture to re-direct), you can find information on the following:

- Tobacco 101
- Second Hand Smoke
- Parent Information
- Teachers Resources
- Puke Pages (be warned)

Tobacco is a drug unlike any other where its effects are not immediate. It may also take a few weeks to a month or more to become dependant on the drug but once hooked, it's likely you may struggle with tobacco use the rest of your life. If you are or care for someone who smokes (as most of us do), you owe it to yourself to help educate them on tobacco use and do all you can to support them in their fight to quit.

Some facts about tobacco and tobacco usage:

• Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
• Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body
• Women are at increased risk for infertility
• Smoking is a major contributor to strokes
• There are 4000 chemicals in tobacco, 100 of which are poisons and 63 which are known to cause cancer
• Nicotine has been classified as a class 1 insecticide
• Approx. 3000 Americans die of exposure to "environmental" tobacco smoke (second hand smoke)
• In the U.S., approx 3900 youths aged 12 - 17 try their first cigarette
• Smokeless tobacco causes cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and gum recession.
• Nicotine has been found to be as addictive as heroin, cocaine and alcohol
• Every 8 seconds, someone in the world dies from tobacco related issues

Discuss tobacco facts in our forums.

Additional Sources:

1. cdc.gov
2. Tobacco Facts Info
   
3. Cost Kids