THINK SPIT TOBACCO WON'T HARM YOU? CHEW ON THIS ...

Friday, February 22, 2002

Nicotine from one pinch held inside your cheek equals three cigarettes Spit tobacco - also known as chew, snuff or dip - causes cancer. Now spitless tobacco is advertised as a way to use nicotine when smoking or chewing is unacceptable such as at school, work, social events, or when people are trying to quit smoking. Take a look at these facts:

• The risk of oral cancer is 50 times higher in long-term "chew" users than in non-users.
• Spit/spitless tobacco is dangerous, and can be more addictive and harder to quit than cigarettes.
• Although it's illegal in most states for people under 18 to use spit tobacco, the majority of users are boys and young men under 18 because of peer pressure to start.

For people trying to quit smoking, Dr. David Nielsen, a physician at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, recommends FDA-approved products such as patches, nicotine gum, counseling and support groups instead of spitless tobacco.

EDITORS: Dr. Nielsen, who also serves as chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, can explain the risks of all forms of nicotine dependence. Call 480-301-4368 to schedule an interview.

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Media Contact: Anne Tewksbury 480-301-4368

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