Myths Vs. Facts
Smoking Edition
Smoking Edition
Secondhand smoke isn’t that bad.
Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work have a 20 percent to 30 percent greater risk of lung cancer compared to those who haven’t been exposed. The Environmental protection Agency says secondhand smoke is amongst the most dangerous cancer causing products.
How do tobacco companies advertise to youth?
Vape Candy, Flavoring, Bright Colors, Cool Aesthetic, and Partying
Nicotine Smoke dissipates after you smoke it.
False - according to the Cleveland Clinic, National Library of Medicine, and Iq Air, second hand smoke can last in the air for hours and third hand smoke can cling onto surfaces for months on end.
What is the difference between secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke?
Secondhand smoke is the smoke inhaled from someone else's active smoking, while thirdhand smoke is the lingering toxic residue left on surfaces and objects after the smoke has cleared.
What is the name of the App that we partner with to help with mental health needs after quitting?
SPIRAL UP
Vaping is completely harmless. It's just water.
False - Although it does not produce ash, e-cigarettes contain aerosolized particles where the nicotine is introduced. Additionally, vaping liquids usually contain heavy metals, can rust, and other harmful ingredients, which are not good for you.
What product change did tobacco companies use to target Black Americans?
Targeted Menthol Flavoring with discounts
The end of a cigarette has a higher concentration of cancer-causing chemicals than smoke exhaled.
True - Many don’t know that, believing that all the bad products go into the smoke themselves. These ends contain many have metals like led and also include, formaldehyde, cyanide, arsenic, ammonia, and carbon monoxide.
Why are smoke-free policies important to implement in communities and housing?
Smoke-free policies help protect people from secondhand and thirdhand smoke, keep shared spaces healthier, and make sure everyone has cleaner air to breathe.
How does smoking cessation improve one's health?
Smoking cessation rapidly improves your body's cardiovascular and pulmonary function while substantially reducing your long-term risk of cancer and premature death.
Once you start smoking, it is too late to quit
False - It is never too late to quit! Although quitting might be difficult—especially since nicotine is highly addictive—there are many free resources available. Additionally, “Many of the health effects of smoking reverse quite rapidly after quitting at any age. Quitting before the age of 50 reduces your risk of dying in the next 15 years by half. The risk of having a heart attack falls by 50% after about 3 years. In the case of lung cancer, your risk drops to half in 10 years.
What form of buying did the United States fail to manage and protect minors from? Hint (Think commerce).
They failed to protect areas of E-commerce, which allowed minors and young adults to purchase otherwise illegal forms of marijuana and tobacco products.
It takes more than a single pack of cigarettes to damage lungs.
False - Did you know that it takes a singular cigarette to start causing damage in the lungs. The tightening of the intercellular muscles, damages of the air sacs, and scar the lungs. It can also damage the esophagus and vocal cords, hence the words vocal fry.
Why are people living in multi-unit housing units (condos, apartments, townhomes) more likely to be exposed to secondhand and thirdhand smoke?
smoke can travel between apartments, condos, or townhomes through ventilation systems, hallways, windows, doors, and cracks in walls, and thirdhand smoke residue can remain on shared and indoor surfaces long after smoking has stopped.
What support service do we partner with?
KickIt California
Nicotine is not the most toxic chemical found in cigarettes
trick question! True - Nicotine is highly addictive, making it harmful, but it is not the chemical that causes lung damage, heart disease, etc. “It is the other 7,000 toxins and chemicals in tobacco which are harmful, particularly tar and carbon monoxide.!!
How do tobacco companies keep communities addicted?
They crowd impoverished areas with retail stores and offer discounts. They also change formulas and add new flavors to increase the addictive potential of tobacco products. They also target cultural figures and celebrities.
Vaping causes just as much or more dangerous second hand smoke.
True - Actually second hand smoke or in this case secondhand vape/aerosol contributes just as much nicotine in the air. Although in itself not as dangerous as smoke, it produces many volatile heavy chemicals ,pesticides into the air, and even paint stripper in the air.
Can wiping down surfaces with household cleaners, vacuuming, and airing out rooms remove thirdhand smoke?
NO! Wiping, vacuuming, and opening windows cannot get rid of all thirdhand smoke. Harmful chemicals can stay on walls, carpets, furniture, and other surfaces for a long time.
Who do I go to in Sacramento?
The Sacramento County offers Tobacco Cessation Classes. Call 916-875-5869
Also check out the Sacramento TEPP form for quit it kits.
Eyes, cloudy memory, cancer, heart disease, chronic cough, birth complications, reproductive health, etc, etc.
How much do all the largest tobacco companies spend on marketing their products, according to the Federal Trade Commission?
The largest companies spend upwards of 8.6 billion dollars on tobacco products.
Smoking only damages the hearts and lungs.
False - Smoking damages actually way more than that. It contributes to those issues, but can also affect the mind of adolescents, elderly, even adults. It can change behavioural habits, stem growth in children and young adults, and exponentially increases likelihood of early Alzheimer's or Dementia. It can also contribute to social issues via addiction, craving/mirroring in kids whose families smoke, and affect financial security in the long run for families.
Which groups are more likely to experience higher levels of secondhand smoke exposure because they are more likely to live in multi-unit housing?
People of color and low-income communities. These groups are more likely to live in multi-unit housing, such as apartments and condos, where smoke can travel between units. They may also have fewer housing options or fewer resources to move, making them more likely to experience ongoing exposure to secondhand smoke.
Is quitting smoking affordable?
KickIT California offer free cessation services including coaching, apps, information and many other services. In fact, quitting the habit at 10 dollars a pack a day saves up to 3,500$ annually.