Smokeless tobacco is a harmless alternative to smoking. Those who use betel quid with tobacco find it hard to return to betel quid without tobacco, claiming that the quid has lost its flavor. World health organization, international agency for research on cancer, 2007 accessed 2014 oct 31. Smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products public health. If they chew tobacco, they risk cancer of the lip, tongue and mouth. Health risks of smokeless tobacco american cancer society. Can increase risks for early delivery and stillbirth when used during pregnancy 2.
The use of chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products increases the risk of oral cancers cancer of the mouth, throat, cheek, gums, lips or tongue. Assessments supporting smokeless tobacco slt disease risk are generally decades old. Because habitual areca nut chewing is addictive, the practice continues until youth are using betel quid, first without tobacco and often later with tobacco. Cancer risk of smokeless tobacco users is probably lower than that of smokers, but. Other harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco include.
Health effects of smokeless tobacco products european. Animal carcinogenicity studies strongly support clinical results. Smokeless tobacco often contains higher levels of cancercausing chemicals called nitrosamines. Primary causes are heart disease and cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and the esophagus.
Fact sheets presenting data and statistical information on smokeless tobacco, including the health effects, various products and marketing, and usage in the united states. Chewing tobacco health effects cancer facts, how to quit. Ever use of smokeless tobacco was associ ated with a statistically significant threefold increased risk of death from oral cancer. Increased risk of early delivery and stillbirth when used during pregnancy. Addiction potential of smokeless tobacco products smokeless tobacco is addictive and withdrawal symptoms are broadly similar to those seen in smokers. Those who use chewing tobacco have an increased risk of. Habitual use of oral tobacco can increase the risk of oral cancer, but the data are insufficient to assess in detail the risks associated with many types of smokeless. Smokeless tobacco users have an 80% increased risk for oral cancer and a 60%. Despite what the tobacco companies may claim, it is not a safe alternative to smoking or a method of quitting. Good tooth and gum care can offset the harmful effects of using dip or chew. Health harms from smokeless tobacco use campaign for. Chewing tobacco users are exposed to more nicotine than smokers. Smokeless tobacco can lead to nicotine poisoning and even death in children who mistake it for candy.