DID YOU KNOW?
More than 300 million people use smokeless tobacco globally, often under the misconception that it’s a safer alternative to smoking. [2] But chewing tobacco carries serious health risks — and it's anything but harmless.
KNOW THE RISK
- Smokeless tobacco comes in many forms and names — including chew, dip, snuff, snus, and dissolvables — but all contain nicotine and harmful chemicals. [1]
- Many people turn to chewing tobacco as an alternative to smoking, believing it's safer. In reality, it’s just as addictive and can be equally damaging to your health. [1]
- Smokeless tobacco causes cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, esophagus, and pancreas. It also contributes to gum disease and tooth loss. [1]
- Additional risks include heart disease, high blood pressure, and delayed wound healing. The damage often starts where the tobacco sits in the mouth and spreads systemically over time.
MITIGATE THE RISK
1. Avoid All Smokeless Tobacco Products
- There is no safe form of tobacco. Chew and dip expose users to carcinogens and toxic substances even without smoke. [1]
2. Don’t Use It to Quit Smoking
- Switching to smokeless tobacco to quit cigarettes is not effective. It often leads to dual use and continued addiction. [1]
3. Seek Help to Quit
- Visit Cancer.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get support, resources, and proven tools for quitting tobacco altogether. [1]
TOBACCO SAFETY REMINDER
Chewing tobacco may seem like a lesser evil, but it’s a serious health hazard. If you’re trying to quit smoking, seek out healthier methods. There’s no safe shortcut when it comes to nicotine addiction — but there is support available.