Spit Tobacco Facts
Spit tobacco (a.k.a. smokeless tobacco, dip, snuff, chew, and chewing tobacco) contains ingredients that can cause serious health problems. Users can suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, cavities (tooth decay), leukoplakia (white patches and oral lesions which can lead to oral cancer), and are at greater risk for oral, throat, stomach and pancreatic cancer.
The nicotine content in a can of dip or snuff is approximately 144 milligrams, which is equal to about 80 cigarettes. In other words, one can of snuff or dip equals about four packs of cigarettes. Nicotine addiction is a serious physiological health issue that drives users to continue using, despite considerable risks (such as cancer), and makes spit tobacco a very difficult habit to quit. NSTEP has worked with a number of well known athletes and others who are unable to quit, even when they desperately want to stop using, and are experiencing significant health problems. Potential and new users should not underestimate the amount of nicotine contained in spit tobacco and the addictive nature of spit tobacco products.
NSTEP has also heard stories of adults giving spit tobacco to children and youth, often during sporting events and outdoor activities. It is illegal to sell spit tobacco products to children under 18 years of age. Parents and caretakers should realize the full impact of sharing this drug with young people, especially given the harmful health effects and addictive nature. Many, including NSTEP spokesperson (and former user) Gruen Von Behrens, have reported an almost immediate addiction to spit tobacco as a teenager.
SPIT TOBACCO PREVALENCE DATA (Prevalence of current use of spit tobacco on a state-by-state basis) |
