Risks & Dangers
Young people might be drawn to smoking because they think that it will make them look cool, appear older, lose weight, seem tough or feel independent.
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- Smoking slows lung growth, decreases lung function and reduces the oxygen available for muscles used in sports.
- Smokers are more likely to suffer from shortness of breath more often than non-smokers.
- Nicotine is highly addictive.
Young people who do not start using tobacco by age 18 are less likely to start.