[For Seniors] Let’s All Take the Challenge! Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts about Tobacco

about 700–800 degrees

The lit tip of a cigarette (the burning part that turns to ash) reaches roughly 700–800°C, and it can exceed 1,000°C while smoking. Even though it’s small, it’s hotter than you might think, and if it falls onto clothing or bedding it can cause a fire, so caution is necessary.

Portuguese

The word “tabako” (tobacco) originates from the Portuguese and Spanish word “tabaco.” In the 16th century, it was used to refer to cigars and the plant itself that were brought from South America to Spain.

tobacco leaves

The tobacco you’re all familiar with is made from the plant “tobacco,” which belongs to the nightshade family. The tobacco plant originated in the Americas and is cultivated around the world. Tobacco leaves contain nicotine, and by drying and fermenting these leaves, the raw material for tobacco is produced.

three types

There are three main varieties of tobacco leaf: the Yellow (Virginia), Burley, and Oriental types. Each has its own characteristics, and the aroma and flavor vary by variety. Incidentally, the most common variety is Yellow (Virginia). The ratio in which the varieties are blended greatly changes the taste of the finished tobacco.

May 31

World No Tobacco Day is designated as May 31 each year. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness of the health risks of tobacco and the importance of quitting smoking. In Japan, the week starting on May 31 is designated as No Smoking Week.

secondhand smoke

The smoke that non-smokers inhale from cigarettes being smoked by people around them is called “sidestream smoke.” Inhaling this sidestream smoke is called “secondhand smoking.” Since secondhand smoking also has adverse effects on health, caution is necessary.

China

Tobacco leaf cultivation takes place around the world in more than 100 countries, with China being the largest producer. In China, not only is production high, but consumption of tobacco is also significant, and much of the tobacco leaf produced domestically is used within the country. Following China, Brazil and India are the next largest producers.