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.
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 does the SOL Project stand for?
SAVING OUR LEGACY, AFRICAN-AMERICANS FOR SMOKE-FREE PLACES.
What is one method of quitting?
Cessation services, tapering with nicotine replacement, self-help, & Cold Turkey.
Vaping is completely harmless.
False - Although it might be less harmful than traditional smoking because it does not burn tobacco, the nicotine still makes vaping highly addictive. Additionally, vaping liquids usually contain heavy metals 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
Nicotine smoke is responsible for the deaths of 400 infants after birth a year
True - Many don’t know that despite infants and fetuses not being able to breath in smoke, nicotine can be carried to the fetus through the blood stream of the mother. Even if a mother does not smoke, 30 minutes of exposure to smoke can introduce nicotine into the bloodstream for 2-3 days (According to the National Library of Medicine)
What does the SOL Project advocate for?
It stands for healthy, smoke-free communities for African Americans and other populations who suffer disproportionately as a result of social conditions and tobacco use.
What smoking cessation method is the the best rated in order?
Cessation Services, tapering with nicotine replacement, self-help, & Cold Turkey.
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 news source does the SOL Project Partner with?
TheTruthInitiative - a company and news outlet looking to reverse the harmful media that tobacco companies have been spreading for years.
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 does the SOL Project advocate for smoke-free housing?
It advocates in order to eliminate exposure of secondhand and thirdhand smoke for residents.
What support service do we partner with?
KickIt California + Bonus point: Spiral Up
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 disenfranchised communities addicted?
They crowd impoverished areas with retail stores and offer discounts in order to provide easy access to hopefully feed the addiction for multiple generations of families.
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 and pesticides into the air, as aerosolized droplets
What is a current project the SOL Project is doing concerning maternal health?
Maternal Smoking Cessation Initiative.!!
What is the CDC quitline for smoking cessation services?
1-800-quit-now
First Vaping Juul was for public health
Fact - believe it or not, they were created to fight against Big Tobacco. But unfortunately, JUUL began to prioritize money over health as the company continued to expand
Largest tobacco Conglomerate in the world; how much does it spend lobbying?
Philip Morris International and bonus points; 6,370,000 dollars every year
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.
What policy is the SOL Project currently battling against, concerning tobacco sales?
HEALTHY FOOD EXEMPTION
Is quitting smoking affordable?
KickIT California and CDC 1-800-quit-now 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.