Smoking will kill half the world's smokers, according to the World Health Organization. Half of those deaths will occur in middle age, but smokers have death rates up to three times higher than those of nonsmokers at all ages. In the U.S., tobacco use causes nearly 20 percent of all deaths. Forgoing cigarettes for other forms of tobacco won't protect you from the health risks. All forms of tobacco use pose significant health hazards.
Cancer
Tobacco contains more than 4,000 chemicals, and 19 of them are known to cause cancer. Lung cancer claims more lives than all other cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, and smoking causes nearly 90 percent of those deaths. In addition to lung cancer risks, smoking increases your chances of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, kidneys, pancreas, cervix and esophagus. Mouth cancer is also a risk of smokeless tobacco, as is nasal cancer.
Respiratory Problems
Lung cancer isn't the only respiratory problem associated with long-term tobacco use. You may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, according to MedlinePlus. With emphysema, you may have a chronic cough and difficulty breathing, especially during exercise. Chronic bronchitis causes coughing, increased mucus production and breathing difficulties. Tobacco use also makes asthma and pneumonia harder to treat.
Heart and Vascular Problems
Tobacco use contributes to numerous problems of the heart and blood vessels. Smoking puts you at risk for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, according to MedlinePlus. Coronary artery disease increases your chance of having of a heart attack or angina. Switching to smokeless tobacco can actually make high blood pressure and angina worse.
Tobacco use can cause aneurysms or blot clots in your brain, both of which can lead to a stroke. Tobacco-related blood clots in your legs often move to your lungs. You may also suffer from peripheral vascular disease, which is poor blood flow in your legs and arms, advises the American Cancer Society.
Reproductive Issues
Tobacco use can cause fertility problems for men and women. In addition to reduced sperm quality, male tobacco users sometimes experience erectile dysfunction due to decreased blood flow, reports MedlinePlus. Female tobacco users have greater risks of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature labor. Babies born to smokers and smokeless tobacco users may suffer from low birth weight or cleft lips, and have increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
