Alcohol and Tobacco damage

[Wismar]

Hey, I'm doing a small thing in my school where I need to know the damage that alcohol and tobacco to have a debate.
How does alcohol and tobacco damage the human body?

I know I'm really lazy so don't respond with "It's your work and don't ask us". If you feel like that just don't post.
Thanks

[MagicTeatowel]

Tobacco is made up of many components, sometimes thousands of chemicals. e.g Tar, Nicotine.

My Source is BBC GCSE Biology http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ocr_gateway/understanding_organisms/drugs_and_yourev2.shtml

Nicotine

Spoiler

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco. It reaches the brain within 20 seconds and creates a dependency so that smokers become addicted. Smokers can suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they try to give up cigarettes.

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Carbon monoxide

Spoiler

Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin in red blood cells and so reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This puts extra strain on the circulatory system, and can cause an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
Smoking during pregnancy is very dangerous. It reduces the amount of oxygen available to the growing fetus, which leads to an increased risk of low birth weights of babies.

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Tars

Spoiler

Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens, including tar. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, and cancer of the mouth, throat and oesophagus.
The images below compare a healthy lung and a smoker's lung. You can see the deposits of tar and particulates (particles) in the smoker's lung.

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Spoiler

On the left is a healthy lung, on the right is an unhealthy lung with visible tar deposits

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Alcohol

Short Term

Spoiler

Alcohol has short-term effects such as sleepiness and impaired judgment, balance and muscle control. This leads to blurred vision and slurred speech. There is an increased flow of blood to the skin, which can cause it to become red.

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Long Term

Spoiler

The long-term effects of alcohol include damage to the liver and brain.

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Bit more in depth

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The liver removes alcohol from the bloodstream. It has enzymes that break down alcohol but the products of the reactions involved are toxic. They damage the liver and over time this leads to cirrhosis.

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[Wismar]

Thanks alot!

[Gizmo]

i drink in da party n shit

[Commissar Jdf]

don't look it up all in one place

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[MrTiki]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=alcohol+damage

[Wismar]

It's not like I didn't google it. I just need some reference from you guys.

[MrTiki]

Haha, sorry man, I couldn't resist
At some point tomorrow I might look back at my notes from last year and see what I can dig up.

[Colonel Howe]

Both tobacco and alcohol are plants which means it's good for you

[munky-wunky]

Both tobacco and alcohol are plants which means it's good for you

I don't think logic works that way

[Nico]

so many people that smokes :O

[Hugh MacKay]

Both tobacco and alcohol are plants which means it's good for you

Quite certain I can find some plants which can kill you in very small doses.
I really hope you are joking...

[munky-wunky]

420

[Harybo]

Didn't you learn that earlier in school?

[Colonel Howe]

Both tobacco and alcohol are plants which means it's good for you

Quite certain I can find some plants which can kill you in very small doses.
I really hope you are joking...

No I'm not. You've never seen a Jack Daniels plant?