Tobacco contains over 100 dangerous chemicals which cause serious harm to the body, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, phenols, ammonia and formaldehyde. Using tobacco results in decreased life expectancy and quality of life, and increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions such as:

• Cancer
• Heart disease and stroke
• Respiratory disease
• Diabetes
• Bacterial and viral infections
• Gum disease and dental problems
• Hearing and vision loss
• Fertility problems and harms to the fetus
• Osteoporosis
• Early menopause.

People who use tobacco regularly may also become dependent on nicotine and feel like they need nicotine to function normally in their day-to-day lives. They may also develop tolerance to it and need to take increasing amounts in order to get the same effect.