Smokeless tobacco might seem like a safer option, but it comes with serious risks that are hard to ignore. It can lead to nicotine addiction and increase the risk of deadly cancers, including those of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Users face diseases like leukoplakia and oral cavity cancers, and pregnant individuals risk early delivery or stillbirth. Even more alarming, children exposed to smokeless tobacco can suffer from nicotine poisoning. Plus, it may heighten the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. Choosing to avoid smokeless tobacco is a powerful step toward protecting your health and well-being.
Addiction to smokeless tobacco
- Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive.
- Nicotine affects the developing brain.
- Nicotine addiction may make it more likely to start using cigarettes.
- Young people who use smokeless tobacco may be more likely to also use cigarettes.
Smokeless tobacco and cancer
- The most harmful chemicals are tobacco-specific nitrosamines. These are organic compounds that may increase the risk of cancer. They form during the growing, curing, fermenting, and aging of tobacco. The amount of these chemicals present varies by product.
- The higher the levels of these chemicals, the greater the risk for cancer.
Tobacco also contains other chemicals that can cause cancer, such as:
- A radioactive element (polonium-210) found in fertilizer used to grow tobacco and which is taken up into the tobacco plant.
- Chemicals formed when tobacco is cured with heat (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons—also known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
- Harmful metals (arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel, mercury)
Quitting smokeless tobacco is one of the best choices you can make for your health and the well-being of those around you. By letting go of this harmful habit, you reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions, while protecting your family—especially children—from its dangers. Every step you take toward quitting is a step toward a healthier, longer life. Reach out for support, explore resources, and remind yourself that your health and future are worth it. It’s never too late to make a change!
**Reducing youth tobacco use contributes to overall community health and safety.**
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/other-tobacco-products/smokeless-tobacco-health-effects.html
