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While youth vaping may be the topic on everyone’s lips, many high school students and adults use chew and other forms of smokeless tobacco.
During Through With Chew Week, February 20-26, members of Reality Check groups in Falconer, Olean and Fillmore, New York, will raise awareness in their schools, as well as throughout their communities, on the dangers of chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products.
Students will create a display in the form of a mouth, with teeth displaying facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and additional health studies on potential health problems.
The facts.
Smokeless tobacco:
- Can lead to nicotine addiction
- Can cause cancer of the mouth, esophagus and pancreas
- Is associated with diseases of the mouth
- Can increase risks for early delivery and stillbirth when used during pregnancy
- May increase the risk for death from heart disease and stroke
In addition, a study of internal tobacco industry documents found that smokeless tobacco product manufacturers added flavors to their products to attract new users, especially young men.
The New York State Smokers’ Quitline provides FREE support for those thinking about quitting smokeless tobacco, including patches, gum or lozenges, and support from a Quit Coach. Call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com to explore all the free services available to New Yorkers.