FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about us and about tobacco.

 

Can I trust your facts?

Definitely. We may joke or use sarcastic undertones but our facts are real and backed by extensive research from trusted sources including the Center for Disease Control and the American Lung Association.

Who started helloCHANGE?

An 18-year-old named Chad Bullock. He grew up in North Carolina (a tobacco state) and got involved with local tobacco control groups including T.R.U. (Tobacco Reality Unfiltered) and Y.E.S. (Youth Empowered Solutions). After graduating from high school, he won $100,000 from DoSomething.org to continue his anti-tobacco efforts. He used the money to start helloCHANGE in 2008.

Is smoking weed safer than cigarettes?

Question of the century! Smoking anything can be harmful so the answer is no. Smoking one marijuana joint can be as harmful to the lungs as smoking five cigarettes, according to a 2007 study by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand. Get high off of life…it last longer.

What will smoking one cigarette do?

A lot. Smoking one cigarette makes the heart beat faster, blood vessels constrict, and blood pressure goes up. Smoking can cause fingers and toes to feel cooler and the linings of the nose, throat, and lungs to be irritated. Eww.

How many people work at helloCHANGE?

We currently have 10 team members and 2 interns. Our team is a crazy, yet completely functional family. We are based out of New York City but our team members work from their hometowns throughout the nation.

Do you speak at schools or events?

Of course we do! If you want to get Chad Bullock or one of our team members to speak at your event, contact us here with details!

Is tobacco a gateway drug?

Duh! Teens who smoke are way more likely to try stronger drugs including marijuana, cocaine and heavy alcohol drinking. 95% of high school seniors who smoke, tried illicit drugs, while only 27% of non-smokers tried illicit drugs likely to try much stronger drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and heavy alcohol drinking. 95% of high school seniors who smoke, tried illicit drugs, while only 27% of non-smokers tried illicit drugs (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Are hookahs safer than cigarettes?

Not at all. Many high school and college students believe that smoking hookah is a safe alternative because the harmful toxins are being filtered out in the water (that’s not true). Hookah smoke still contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and countless other hazardous substances. According to the American Cancer Society, these toxins are linked different types of cancers, primarily lung, heart disease and asthma.

I am rich. How can I donate?

We love donations. We are funded through grants and donations from such fine individuals like you. Donate here if you would like to give a tax-deductable donation!

Are electronic cigarettes safer?

The idea of an electronic cigarette is a great alternative to tobacco smoke but health experts, including the Food and Drug Administration, say more evidence is needed. “We have no clue what the health effects could be,” says Dr. Steven Schroeder, physician and smoking cessation expert at the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center. We’d say stick to the gum or patch.

Does smoking make you lose weight?

Raise your hand if you have ever seen a fat person smoking. We have. Studies show that adolescent girls and young women are more likely to smoke for weight loss or weight control but there are definitely better ways to lose weight or maintain your weight.