What is Smokeless Tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco refers to the use of any type of tobacco product that is not burned or combusted. This includes moist snuff, loose leaf chewing tobacco, and snus pouches. Smokeless tobacco products are placed in the mouth or cheek and absorbed through the tissues in the mouth.
Chemical Composition of Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless Tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) and toxic chemicals. One of the most harmful chemicals in smokeless tobacco is called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco by reacting with chemicals called Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs). Long term use of smokeless tobacco exposes users to dangerously high levels of TSNAs. In comparison to smoked tobacco, smokeless tobacco delivers higher levels of these toxins directly into the body.
Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
Oral Cancer - Use of smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing cancer in the mouth. It has been estimated that the risk of developing mouth or oral cancer is up to 50 times higher for smokeless tobacco users compared to non-users. The longer a person uses smokeless tobacco and the more they use, the higher their risk.
Gum Disease and Tooth Loss - The acids in smokeless tobacco can wear away tooth enamel and damage gums. Long-term use often results in receding gums and loss of bone around the teeth.
Nicotine Addiction - Smokeless tobacco contains high levels of nicotine, a powerfully addictive drug. Users can become severely dependent on nicotine within a few weeks of regular use. Addiction makes it very difficult to quit and increases the chances of long-term use and associated health problems. Withdrawal symptoms like craving, irritability, and depression often occur when attempting to quit.
Cardiovascular Disease - Long-term use of smokeless tobacco has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease. This may be due to the effects of nicotine on blood pressure and heart rate as well as other chemicals in tobacco.
pancreatic cancer - Recent research studies suggest an association between smokeless tobacco use and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The risk appears to be higher the longer a person uses smokeless tobacco.
Other Health Risks - Other potential health risks of smokeless tobacco include premature birth and low birth weight in pregnant users, oral inflammation (white patches inside the mouth), gum recession, betel quid dependency (areca nut dependence) in some regions, and possibly issues like tremors or heart rhythm abnormalities due to nicotine exposure.
Youth and Smokeless Tobacco
Unfortunately, smokeless tobacco use has been on the rise in adolescent and young adult populations in the United States in recent years. According to the CDC, more than 2.1 million middle and high school students used some form of smokeless tobacco in 2019. Beginning smokeless tobacco use during adolescent years poses unique health risks. Nicotine in smokeless tobacco can harm brain development in youth up to age 25. It may affect memory, concentration, and attentiveness in school. Early nicotine exposure also increases risk for addiction and lifelong health problems.
Toxic Constituents of Smokeless Tobacco
As noted earlier, smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes due to the harmful chemical constituents rather than smoke. Some of the most concerning toxic chemicals in smokeless tobacco include:
- Nitrosamines - These powerful carcinogens are formed during the curing and aging process of tobacco, where nitrates react with tobacco alkaloids.
- Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) - A group of over 30 chemicals, including NNK and NNN, which are known potent carcinogens and causes of lung, pancreas and other cancers. TSNA levels are 10-100 times higher in smokeless tobacco versus smoked tobacco.
- Acetaldehyde - This chemical is formed from nicotine metabolism in the body. It is an irritant and a major carcinogen responsible for the neoplastic and cancerous lesions found with smokeless tobacco use.
- Cadmium - A toxic heavy metal associated with cancer, kidney damage and bone loss at high levels of long-term exposure.
- Polonium-210 - A potent radioisotope reported at levels that exceed safety standards in some smokeless tobacco products.
Quitting Smokeless Tobacco
Though quitting smokeless tobacco can be difficult due to strong nicotine addiction, successfully quitting provides significant long-term health benefits. Over 50% of smokeless tobacco users in the U.S. report wanting to quit. Nicotine replacement therapy products such as gum or patches can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings during the quitting process. Behavioral counseling and support from others can also improve success rates. Within 10 years after quitting, the risk of mouth cancer is cut in half compared to continued users. Complete abstinence remains the best way to avoid all health risks of this harmful tobacco product.
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About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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