Chewing Tobacco Effects

Health Effects of Chewing Tobacco

Cancer

• Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
• Smokeless tobacco is a known cause of human cancer; it increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity.

Oral Health

• Smokeless tobacco is also strongly associated with leukoplakia—a precancerous lesion of the soft tissue in the mouth that consists of a white patch or plaque that cannot be scraped off.
• Smokeless tobacco is associated with recession of the gums, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Reproductive Health

• Smokeless tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risks for preeclampsia (i.e., a condition that may include high blood pressure, fluid retention, and swelling), premature birth, and low birth weight.
• Smokeless tobacco use by men causes reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm cells.

Nicotine Addiction

• Smokeless tobacco use can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence.
• Adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

Smokeless Tobacco Use in the United States

Percentage of Adults Who Were Current Smokeless Tobacco Users in 2009

• 3.5% of all adults (aged 18 years and older)
• 7.0% of men
• 0.3% of women
• 1.0% of African Americans
• 5.7% of American Indian/Alaska Natives*
• 0.5% of Asian Americans
• 1.1% of Hispanics
• 4.5% of whites

Percentage of High School Students who were Current Smokeless Tobacco Users in 2009

• 6.1% of all high school students
• 11.0% of males
• 1.5% of females
• 1.8% of African Americans
• 1.5% of Asians
• 4.6% of Hispanics
• 7.5% of whites

Percentage of Middle School Students who were Current Smokeless Tobacco Users in 2009

• 2.6% of all middle school students
• 4.1% of males
• 1.2% of females
• 1.7% of African Americans
• 2.0% of Asians
• 3.4% of Hispanics
• 2.8% of whites