Commercial Tobacco Use and Your Health

Commercial tobacco use, like smoking, vaping, or using chew, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke or aerosol can cause or worsen many chronic conditions and diseases. In fact, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and is the leading cause of preventable death in both Minnesota and the nation.

Commercial tobacco use also harms some population groups more than others. For example, in the U.S.:

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Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer incidence and death rates are highest among Black men. Among women, the incidence of lung cancer is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native women.
Smoking is a major cause of heart disease. The prevalence of heart disease is highest among men than women and impacts more Black and American Indian Minnesotans, as well as those who live in rural areas.
Smoking is the primary cause of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native adults.

Quitting commercial tobacco use can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic conditions and diseases. Below are just some conditions associated with commercial tobacco use.

Arthritis

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and can worsen symptoms for those who already have it. It triggers whole-body inflammation, which can accelerate joint damage and make arthritis medications less effective. Smoking also reduces blood flow and oxygen to joints, leading to cartilage deterioration and slower healing. Even secondhand smoke exposure may contribute to arthritis risk, making quitting an important step in protecting joint health.

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Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common and serious chronic diseases among both children and adults. Asthma causes swelling and narrowing of the airways making it difficult to breathe. In 2021, there were 13,534 emergency visits and 1,305 hospitalizations for asthma across Minnesota. About 1 in 6 students in grades 6-12 reported having asthma, according to data from the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey.

Smoke from cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products contains over 7,000 chemicals and is a common trigger for asthma attacks. People with asthma should avoid using commercial tobacco products or exposure to secondhand smoke or aerosol.

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Asthma
Secondhand Smoke and Aerosol | Commercial Tobacco Use
Data brief: Tobacco Use and Asthma (PDF) (August 2019)
Data brief: Smoking and Vaping around Youth who have Asthma (PDF) (August 2019)

Autoimmune diseases and conditions

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and can cause whole-body inflammation, which is a common trigger and symptom for many autoimmune diseases. Smoking can be even more dangerous and worsen symptoms for people with preexisting autoimmune conditions like arthritis, lupus, eye diseases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and complications from HIV infection.

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COVID-19 and Long COVID

Commercial tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of developing long COVID. People who smoke or use other commercial tobacco products are more likely to experience prolonged symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. This may be due, in part, to the harmful effects of commercial tobacco use on the immune system and lung function, which can worsen the severity and recovery from respiratory infections.

If you smoke, you’re more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Smoking may keep the body’s system that fights illness from working right.

People who smoke cigarettes now, or who smoked in the past, are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

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Cancer

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 69 known to cause cancer. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight cancer cells, and can damage DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Smoking can cause cancer in multiple organs and tissues, including the bladder, blood, cervix, colon, esophagus, kidney, larynx, liver, lungs, mouth, pancreas, and stomach. Research suggests that people with prostate cancer who also smoke may have a higher risk of dying from the disease compared to those who don’t smoke. Additionally, secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and smokeless tobacco products contribute to cancers of the esophagus, mouth, and pancreas.

Lung cancer incidence and death rates are highest among Black men. Among women, the incidence of lung cancer is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native women. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer.

Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer and benefits those already diagnosed.

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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing difficulties. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, responsible for up to 80% of COPD-related deaths. COPD is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native adults.

Smoking damages the lungs by reducing their ability to stretch and shrink, destroying air sacs, thickening airway walls, and increasing mucus production, which obstructs airflow. Secondhand smoke exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence, can slow lung development and increase the risk of COPD later in life.

While quitting smoking is the most effective way to prevent COPD, it also benefits those already diagnosed by slowing disease progression and preserving lung function. Avoiding secondhand smoke and seeking treatment services to quit smoking can further reduce the risk and impact of COPD.

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Commercial tobacco use is a significant risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Smoking damages blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of vascular dementia, and exposure to secondhand smoke may also contribute to cognitive decline.

Quitting smoking, even later in life, can significantly reduce dementia risk.

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Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias – Community Toolbox
The Community Toolbox is a resource library intended for community members and organizations seeking tools and resources to build community awareness of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias including signs and symptoms, benefits of early detection, and services and support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
Tobacco and Dementia | World Health Organization (PDF)

Diabetes

In In Minnesota, 8.8% of adults have diabetes, almost 400,000 Minnesotans. Approximately 1.5 million Minnesotans have prediabetes, but most people do not know they have it.

Using commercial tobacco can raise blood sugar and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Nicotine also makes it more difficult for your body to regular blood sugar and could lead to health complications.

If you have diabetes and smoke, you're more likely to have complications—and worse complications—than people with diabetes who don't smoke.

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Eye disease and vision loss

Smoking increases the risk of several eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious eye disease that can cause vision loss, and smoking can make AMD worse for people who already have it. Smoking can also cause nuclear cataracts (a type of vision-clouding condition) and could worsen retinopathy in people with diabetes who have the condition.

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Fertility and reproductive health

Smoking can cause fertility problems. Smoking can make it more difficult for women to get pregnant and increases the risk of never becoming pregnant.

Smoking also damages sperm. It can also lead to impotence (erectile dysfunction, or ED). Both problems can make it harder to father a baby.

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Health Effects of Cigarettes: Reproductive Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fetal and infant health

Smoking, vaping, or using other commercial tobacco or nicotine-containing products poses danger to people who are pregnant and unborn children. Fetal exposure to nicotine can have a variety of negative long-term consequences including sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), impaired brain and lung development, auditory processing problems, effects on behaviors and obesity, and deficits in attention and cognition. Studies also indicate that fetal nicotine exposure is associated with nicotine dependence in adolescence.

People who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant should avoid smoking, vaping, or using other commercial tobacco products to minimize unnecessary exposure to nicotine.

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Cleft Lip and Palate
Maternal smoking, alcohol use, and folic acid deficiency can be associated with the development of cleft lip and palate in the fetus.
Club Foot (includes Talipes Equinovarus)
Smoking during pregnancy may be a risk factor for the development of club foot in infants.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
People who use substances during their pregnancy are at risk for giving birth to a baby that experiences neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Nicotine and Nicotine Dependence | Commercial Tobacco Use
Health advisory: Nicotine Risks for Children, Teens, and Pregnant Women (PDF)
Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health conditions

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and hookah increases the risk of oral cancers, including those affecting the mouth, throat, and lips. It also contributes to gum disease, tooth decay, and staining. E-cigarette use (vaping) new, may also promote periodontal disease and increase the likelihood of oral infections due to aerosol exposure.

Smokeless tobacco products, such as dip and chewing tobacco, pose significant risks as well. They can lead to oral cancers, leukoplakia (white patches that may become cancerous), and erythroplakia (red patches with a high likelihood of turning cancerous).

Quitting commercial tobacco use can improve oral health, reducing the risk of disease and allowing teeth and gums to heal over time. Seeking professional dental care and treatment services to quit can further protect oral health.

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Oral Health
Cleft Lip and Palate
Maternal smoking, alcohol use, and folic acid deficiency can be associated with the development of cleft lip and palate in the fetus.
Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heart disease and stroke

Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises triglyceride levels, lowers "good" cholesterol (HDL), and makes blood more likely to clot.

The prevalence of heart disease is higher among men than women, and impacts more Black and American Indian Minnesotans, as well as those who live in rural areas.

Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, with improvements seen within one to two years of quitting. Secondhand smoke exposure also contributes to heart disease and stroke, making smoke-free environments crucial for cardiovascular health.

Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can greatly improve heart and blood vessel health over time.

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Mental health and wellbeing

Commercial tobacco use can worsen mental health over time, increasing stress, anxiety levels, and symptoms of depression. This is particularly concerning for youth. E-cigarettes are the most used commercial tobacco product among Minnesota youth, and nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine.

While the exact link between commercial tobacco use and these conditions is unclear, nicotine can temporarily relieve symptoms, leading to dependence. Data from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey in 2020 and 2023 show that more students who currently use e-cigarettes are reporting signs of dependence. Overall, 79.6% of students who use e-cigarettes in 2023 report one or more signs of dependence, an increase from 70.4% in 2020.

Quitting smoking can improve mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in the long run. While nicotine withdrawal may initially cause irritability or mood changes, these effects are temporary. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, engaging in physical activity, and staying connected with others can help manage withdrawal symptoms and promote overall wellbeing.

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Get free help to quit smoking or vaping

Most people who smoke, vape, or use dip or chew want to quit. Quitting has both immediate and long-term health benefits. It also helps protect family and friends who may be exposed to secondhand smoke or aerosol from e-cigarette use (vaping), especially infants and those who may have asthma or other chronic health issues.

Free help is available to all people who live in Minnesota. People who use phone coaching and quit medications are twice as likely to successfully quit.

Learn more: Get Help Quitting | Commercial Tobacco Use