Snus, Orbs, Sticks and Strips Tobacco -
New Look, Old Problems
When people talk about
smokeless tobacco, many think of the traditional snuff and chew – with it’s
accompanying spitting and ‘juice’. But tobacco companies are trumpeting their
new forms of smokeless products
called ‘snus’ - a moist powder tobacco product. It is a form of snuff, but
supposedly does not result in the need to spit. And R.J. Reynolds Tobacco has
introduced dissolvable nicotine products. Camel Sticks, Camel Orbs, and Camel
Strips are made from tobacco that has been finely milled and food grade binders
to hold them together. They can be held in the mouth or broken into a small
piece and nestled between the gum and lip similar to snus, snuff or chewing
tobacco. The products come in a variety of flavors, including mint. Since
these products are not made to be inhaled, they do not cause the same kind of
lung damage as smoking does and they eliminate any exposure to second-hand
smoke.
 Now that South Dakota has
joined neighboring states in banning smoking in nearly all public places,
smokeless tobacco products may become even more popular. The dangers of
smoking are well known – but these smokeless products pose health risks as
well. They contain more nicotine than cigarettes. Nicotine is highly addictive
and makes it very hard to stop using tobacco.
Users also face a risk of:
Cancer of the mouth
Decay of exposed tooth roots
Pulling away of the gums from the teeth
White patches or red sores in the mouth that can turn to cancer
Smokeless tobacco may
also play a strong role in other cancers, heart disease and stroke.
Parents and guardians
need to be aware of these dangers, and more, when it comes to the kids in their
lives.
These products are tobacco/nicotine-based, making them illegal for people under
18 to buy, possess or use.
The packaging and flavorings make them appealing to young people.
There is no telltale ‘cig smoke’ odor associated with these products.
The new forms and packaging make it easier for youngsters to conceal the
products from parents.
The high nicotine content makes them addictive.
Nicotine and nicotine addiction in young people are red flags for other risky
behavior, including experimentation with alcohol or other drugs.
Learn more about the
hazards of tobacco use, prevention strategies and more at these sites.
National Cancer Institute: Smokeless Tobacco, Health and Other Effects
American Cancer Society
American Dental Association
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids)
Sources:
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research,
National Survey on Drug Use and Health – Smokeless Tobacco Use, Initiation, and
Relationship to Cigarette Smoking,
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids,
‘Snus:’ New product rhymes with ‘abuse’ – column by Terry Gaff for KPCNews –
Ft Worth
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