Non-Cigarette Tobacco

Image Source: Tobacco Atlas

Ingredients in Non-Cigarette Tobacco

  • Nicotine: A highly addictive drug.
  • Carcinogens: Many cancer-producing chemicals have been identified in smokeless (spit) tobacco.
  • Sweeteners: Tobacco has an unpleasant taste, some brands of non-cigarette tobacco are heavily sweetened with sugars, which promote tooth decay.
  • Abrasives: Abrasives scratch the soft tissues in the mouth, allowing the nicotine and other chemicals to get directly into the blood stream.
  • Salt: Flavouring salts have been found to contribute to abnormal blood pressure and kidney disease.
  • Other Chemicals: Hundreds of other chemicals can be found in tobacco which contribute to many health problems.

Health Risks of Non-Cigarette Tobacco

  • Mouth Cancer: Cancer of the cheeks, gums, lips and tongue. Smokeless (spit) tobacco users have a 50% higher chance of getting oral cancer than non-users.
  • Throat Cancer: Cancer of the voice box and cancer of the esophagus.
  • Heart Disease: Heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
  • Dental Diseases: Stained teeth, tooth decay, receding gums, gum disease, bad breath and black hairy tongue.
  • Stomach Problems: Ulcers, stomach upset, increased bowel activity and stomach cancer.
  • Loss of Taste and Smell: Contributes to loss of appetite which may result in poor nutrition and poor health.'
  • Physical Changes: Fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and decreased physical performance, dermatological changes.