Tabaco

What Is It and Where Did It Come From?

Tobacco comes from the Nicotiana plant, native to the Americas and used by Indigenous peoples for centuries. Commercial cigarette production began in the 19th century and has since fueled global addiction and disease.

What Does It Look Like and How Is It Used?

Tobacco is most commonly found in cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Users inhale smoke or absorb nicotine through the mouth or nose.

Effects on the Body

Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant that raises heart rate and temporarily improves alertness. However, smoking also introduces tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of toxic chemicals into the lungs.

Overdose Risks

While acute overdose is rare with tobacco, nicotine poisoning can occur—especially in children or from high-strength vape liquids.

Long-Term Risks

• Lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis

• Heart disease and stroke

• Gum disease and tooth loss

• Decreased immune function

• Reproductive health problems

• Premature aging and skin damage

• Addiction that can start in adolescence and last a lifetime