Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland with almost 6,000 smokers dying each year from tobacco related diseases.
Cigarettes are known to have over 4,000 poisons. Many of these poisons are known to be fatal when administered in high doses. Nicotine is derived from nicotinic acid which is fatal with a dosage of just a single drop.
Over 25 diseases are associated with tobacco use. Some are more life-threatening than others. Multiple types of cancer are linked to smoking such as: lung, mouth, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, uterus and cervix. COPD which includes emphysema, bronchitis and asthma have also been linked to tobacco use. Add to that list cardiovascular disease such as stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure.