According to the CDC, almost 16% of U.S. high school boys and 2% of high school girls (grades 9 through 12) currently use smokeless tobacco.
There are anecdotal reports that use among girls is growing and that girls especially are putting the tobacco "plug" in places in the body besides the mouth. Anyplace on the body that is warm and moist provides for the same nicotine absorption as in the mouth. The practice carries the same dangers as tobacco in the mouth. An additional danger of this practice is that is virtually unnoticeable and the practice can go on in schoolrooms without discovery. Parents, teachers and school healthcare workers need to be aware of this growing trend.
In some states, as many as 21% of high school boys use smokeless tobacco.
Among high school seniors who use smokeless tobacco, almost 75% started by the time they were in the ninth grade.
Around 1970, the largest portion of the market for smokeless tobacco changed from primarily older men to young men.
Smokeless tobacco is marketed to youth through sporting events such as auto racing, rodeos, college scholarships for colleges that have rodeo programs, promotional items like cowboy hats and free pony rides, among others.
Smokeless tobacco can cause leukoplakia; cancer of the esophagus, pharynx, larynx, stomach, and pancreas; dental cavities, and gum disease (gingivitis).
Sean Marsee (photos at ages 18 and 19) was a high school track star, and habitual user of snuff, died of oral cancer at age 19 (Patch Project).
Source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids, 1999. |
