«~ 2 «

Effects of Tobacco

The important point is what amount of these substances are absorbed
by the body and what are their effects when taken in regularly over long
periods of time. This will vary with whether the user inhales, swallows
the saliva, uses a holder, as well as upon the kind and forms of tobacco
used.

Wicotin causes a brief stimmlation of the brain and spinal cord
followed by depression. The salivary flow is increased temporarily fol-
lowed by a decrease. The heart action is at first slowed and blood pres-
sure increased followed by rapid heart action and lowered b lood pressure.
Its final effects are not that of a stimulant but of a narcotic.

Habit Formation

 

The use of any narcotic is always accompanied by the danger of habit
formation with its consequent dependence upon the substance. This ap-
plies with peculiar force to tobacco. The individual who is miserable
unless he has his given amount of tobacco at a given time comes in the
Same category, psychologically, as the morphine habitue.

Tobacco end Efficiency

 

A large number of experiments have been made to determine the re-
lationship of the use of tobacco to mental and physical efficiency.

In the field of mental accomplishments, the evidence seems to show a
higher accomplishment among non-smokers, thougn many of the experiments
were not conducted with edeqate controls and stendard conditionse

From the physical standpoint, the evidence is clearer both from
practical ani experimental experience. The athletic coach does not per-
mit his teams to smoke, The mortality experience of the insurance com
penies show more favorable death rates among non-users of tobacco.

References: Storey--Defensive Hygiene, Chapter 16.

Rosenau--Preventive Medicine (1927). {Industrial Poi-
sons, page 1232); Alcohol page 515).

U. Se Public Health Service--Bulletin 116 (1921)
(Document Room)

Pearl—-Alcohol and Longevity

Fisher & Fiske--How to Live, (Alcohol and Tobacco) |

Earp--The Student Who Smokes

O'Shea--Tobacco and Mental Efficiency

Eddy, C.--One Million Drug Addicts in U. Se Current
History, July, 1925. :

Waring, J. Je--The Hygiene of Smoking, Hygeia, June,
1925

California Narcotic Commission--Narcotic Habit, (363.99
C153)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 

1. Is it true that chemical causes of ill health are relatively un-
important in the United States? Why?