tes and deathEveryone knows that tobacco use can have disastrous consequences on your HEALTH. Nevertheless, many people decide to IGNORE the risk and go on smoking. According to the most recent statistics, nearly one out of every five people in Quebec is a smoker.More than 4,000 chemical substances are present in cigarette smoke, including at least 50 that can cause cancer. These substances include arsenic, tar, and carbon monoxide. In addition to these toxic products, cigarettes also contain nicotine, which causes physical and psychological addiction to tobacco.Smoking is among the leading causes of death around the world. Every year, nearly 13,000 people in Quebec die due to the consequences of smoking. It is estimated that a smoker is THREE times as likely to die between the ages of 35 and 70 as a non-smoker. In addition, half the people who smoke at age 20 and don’t quit die of a tobacco-related disease.Health consequencesClearly, cigarettes have a MAJOR impact on the lungs. An estimated 85% of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and of lung cancer are caused by smoking. About a third of all cancer cases are due to smoking, including:Cancer of the esophagusCancer of the mouthCancer of the uterusBladder cancerStomach cancerPancreatic cancerTobacco use is also a significant cause of heart disease. In fact, smoking considerably increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.Smoking can also affect fertility. In addition, smoking during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal DEVELOPMENT, for example, increase the likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight.