Tobacco: A Threat to Health
Tobacco is considered one of the main global threats to public health. There are various forms of tobacco products, including cigarettes, hookah, nas (smokeless gum-like tobacco), pipes, and vapes. Some of these products are, unfortunately, marketed in different communities as less harmful or even harmless. However, scientific research shows that using any type of tobacco can have serious negative effects on both individual and public health.
In the book Innovations in Addiction Treatment and Recovery: The Story of Congress 60, an entire article is dedicated to the topic of smoking. A key point in tobacco treatment is the individual's willingness to pursue treatment, which stems from having a clear and correct worldview.
When it comes to smoking treatment, audio lessons related to this topic play a significant role. Cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco use, and the smoke produced from burning tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals — at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is linked to several serious illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In fact, it plays a major role in premature deaths. It’s also worth noting that environmental and family factors influence a person’s tendency toward tobacco use. A person’s body may eventually develop certain cells that lead to cancer, and due to the elevated levels of nicotine in a smoker’s system, eliminating these harmful cells becomes increasingly difficult.
Contrary to common belief, hookah (also known as waterpipe or shisha) is not less harmful than cigarettes — in fact, in some cases, it can be even more dangerous. Unfortunately, hookah is now commonly used as a form of entertainment at many family gatherings and has become particularly popular among young people. Each session of hookah use can expose a person to up to 100 times more smoke than a single cigarette, which significantly increases the potential for harm. The smoke is also highly moist, making it more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs.
Another major concern is the shared use of the hose, which can easily spread infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. One key difference between hookah and cigarettes lies in the behavior of the smoke. For example, if a cigarette is left burning in a room overnight, the sparks it emits are similar to those from flammable materials used in fireworks — and these can be directly absorbed into the lungs.
A pipe is a traditional device for tobacco use, typically made of a bowl and a long stem through which smoke is inhaled. With its long history, the pipe has been seen in many cultures as a symbol of relaxation or even intellectual sophistication. Like cigarettes, pipes burn tobacco, and the resulting smoke is inhaled into the lungs. While the tobacco in a pipe usually burns at a lower temperature, producing cooler smoke, this does not make it safer. Some people mistakenly believe that using a pipe is more refined or less harmful, but in reality, pipe smoking increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and lungs. It is also a common misconception that pipe smoking is not as addictive as smoking cigarettes. However, regular use leads to nicotine dependence, just like cigarettes. In addition, those around the pipe smoker are exposed to secondhand smoke, which contains toxic and carcinogenic substances, posing health risks to others as well.
A vape, or electronic cigarette, is a device that uses heat to vaporize a liquid known as “juice” instead of burning tobacco. This liquid typically contains nicotine and flavoring agents, and the amount of vapor it produces is often greater than that of traditional tobacco products. In recent years, vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, most vape products still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Even products labeled as “nicotine-free” can be misleading, and in some cases, they may be more harmful than other tobacco products. While it’s true that vapes generally contain fewer harmful substances than regular cigarettes, they still deliver nicotine and other chemicals that can damage the lungs. Vaping has become especially popular among teenagers, leading to a higher rate of nicotine dependence in this age group. It can also cause lung inflammation, heart problems, and long-term addiction — particularly among youth.
Nas is a type of smokeless tobacco, typically made from a mixture of ground tobacco, lime, ash, and sometimes spices or fragrance. It usually comes in fine powder form and is placed between the gums and the upper or lower lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed directly into the [sliva and] the body. Nas is commonly used in parts of Asia and the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, India, and Central Asia. In some countries, industrial versions of nas are also produced. Many users mistakenly believe that, because it is smokeless, it is harmless or even helpful for relieving stress or fatigue. Its traditional or natural image also leads some to think it is safer than other tobacco products. However, nas contains very high levels of nicotine and has a direct link to oral cancers — including cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat, and gums. It also causes serious damage to teeth and gum health. While it does not produce smoke, nas is highly harmful to the mouth, throat, and overall health. Its use is rising, especially among teenagers and young adults, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education about its risks.
Despite the differences among various forms of tobacco, what they all share is their harmful impact on health. Tobacco use not only endangers individual well-being but also places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems and society as a whole. Education, public awareness, and legal restrictions on tobacco access can be powerful steps toward reducing consumption and promoting public health.
Resources:
• Cigarette and Substitution and Nicotine Audio Lessons
• Congress 60 official website
Author: Companion Maede (Nicotine traveler, Pupil of Companion Guide Farideh – Legion of William)
Editor: Companion Faezeh (Pupil of Companion Guide Najmeh – Fifth Legion)
Photography: Companion Azam (Pupil of Hamsafar Somayeh – Seventh Legion)
Submitted by: Companion Raheleh (Website Guardian)
Salman Farsi Branch of Congress 60 for Companions
Translated by: Traveler Arash, Artesh Branch of Congress 60, Tehran
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