Chewing Tobacco Facts
Snuff is tuff. On you.
- The amount of nicotine absorbed from smokeless tobacco is 3 to 4 times the amount delivered by a cigarette. Nicotine is absorbed more slowly from smokeless tobacco than from cigarettes, but more nicotine per dose is absorbed from smokeless tobacco than from cigarettes. Also, the nicotine stays in the bloodstream for a longer time. (National Cancer Institute)
- Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- It also increases the risk of developing oral cancer compared to cigarette smoking. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- Chewing tobacco gets you hooked on nicotine, similar to the way cigarettes get you hooked. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- Smokeless tobacco is a known cause of human cancer. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- Smokeless tobacco increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Some evidence suggests that it may put you at an increased risk of heart attack. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- Chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco cause tooth decay. That's because chewing tobacco contains high amounts of sugar, which contributes to cavities. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- The sugar and irritants in chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth in the area of your mouth where you hold your tobacco. Over time you can develop gum disease (gingivitis) and possible tooth loss. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)
- Your risk of oral cancer is increased if you use smokeless tobacco. (CNN & The Mayo Clinic)