For hundreds of years tobacco has been a major commodity throughout the world. The tobacco industry today is more massive than ever, and is the basis of a substantial part of the world economy. It is the major employer, providing the livelihoods of millions of families. Hundreds of millions of people smoke and considerable number use tobacco in other forms.

The Indians of tropical America first cultivated tobacco. When Columbus landed in the island of the West Indies in October 1492, his earliest encounter with the local inhabitants brought forth gifts of the golden leaf , which within 120 years was to become the economic cornerstone of the future United States.

Here are some facts on how smoking affects people:

About 12.1 million adults in the UK smoke cigarettes - 29% of men and 28% of women. In 1972, 52% of men and 41% of women smoked cigarettes - nearly half the population of the UK. Now less than one-third smokes, but the decline in recent years have been heavily concentrated in older age groups: almost as many young people are taking up smoking but more established

Every year, around 120,000 smokers in the UK die as a result of their habit. An estimate for 1990 was as high as 138,000 deaths in the UK.

Smoking causes one in three of all cancer deaths (including 90 per cent of lung cancer deaths), one in five of all heart disease deaths and 9 out of 10 deaths from bronchitis and emphysema.

Smoking has been associated with increased sperm abnormalities and with impotence in men. In pregnant women, smoking leads to an increased risk of:

- Spontaneous abortion;

- Hemorrhaging during pregnancy;

- Premature birth;

- Low weight of babies at birth (which is associated with greater risks of ill-health and failure to thrive;

- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death).

Smokeless Tobacco

Tooth Abrasion, Grit and sand in smokeless tobacco products scratches teeth and wears away the hard surface or enamel. Premature loss of tooth enamel can cause added sensitivity and may require corrective treatment.

Gum Recession, Constant irritation to the spot in the mouth where a small wad of chewing tobacco is placed can result in permanent damage to periodontal tissue. It also can damage the supporting bone structure. The injured gums pull away from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and leaving teeth sensitive to heat and cold. Erosion of critical bone support leads to loosened teeth that can be permanently lost.

Increased Tooth Decay, Sugar is added to smokeless tobacco during the curing and processing to improve its taste. The sugar reacts with bacteria found naturally in the mouth, causing an acid reaction, which leads to decay.

Tooth Discoloration and Bad Breath, Common traits of long-term smokeless tobacco users are stained teeth and bad breath. Moreover, the habit of continually spitting can be both unsightly and offensive.

Nicotine Dependence, Nicotine blood levels achieved by smokeless tobacco use are similar to those from cigarette smoking. Nicotine addition can lead to an artificially increased heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can constrict the blood vessels that are necessary to carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Athletic performance and endurance levels are decreased by this reaction

Unhealthy Eating Habits, Chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are harmful if consumed in excess.

Oral Cancer, With the practice of "chewing" and "dipping," tobacco and its irritating juices are left in contact with gums, cheeks and/or lips for prolonged periods of time. This can result in a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears either as a smooth, white patch or as leathery-looking wrinkled skin. It results in cancer in 3 percent to 5 percent of all cases.

Other Cancers, All forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer-causing agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of the oral cavity, but also of; the pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

Danger Signs, If you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer.