Tobacco companies are packaging smokeless tobacco to appeal to young people, especially young girls, by adding flavors and using colorful tins, such as pink, lavender, and yellow.
Smokeless tobacco can cause sore gums and cheeks, and cavities.
Even people in their teens have developed cancer of the mouth, cheeks, gums, and throat from using smokeless tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco can cause heart disease and high blood pressure.
Adolescent users of smokeless tobacco are more likely than nonusers to become cigarette smokers.
Tobacco companies develop brands with higher and higher levels of nicotine to keep chewers hooked.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that adolescents, especially girls, are placing smokeless tobacco plugs between the toes and other moist, warm places on the body to get the nicotine effect without being detected. It is particularly important that parents and healthcare workers be aware of potential for this use and the increased hazards it represents. |
