Did you know? The impact of smokeless tobacco on health is more serious than you think!

Smokeless tobacco is a tobacco product that is used in a non-smoking manner, including chewing, snorting, or placing it between the gums and cheeks or lips. These products come in many forms, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars and soluble tobacco products. According to reports, smokeless tobacco use is most common in South Asia, accounting for 80% of global consumption. Although smokeless tobacco has lower health risks than traditional smoking products, this does not mean it is a healthy alternative.

All smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Quitting smokeless tobacco can be as challenging as quitting smoking.

Smokeless tobacco use is associated with a variety of health risks, including dental disease, oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. In addition, it may lead to cardiovascular disease and have negative effects on the reproductive system, such as stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight. Smokeless tobacco use causes more than 650,000 deaths worldwide each year. Smokeless tobacco products typically contain more than 3,000 ingredients, many of which are cancer-causing chemicals.

Types of smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco is mainly used by placing the product between the gums and cheeks or lips. Common smokeless tobacco products include:

  • Chewing tobacco: This is a type of chewing tobacco.
  • Snuff: Tobacco taken through the nose.
  • Cigar: Similar to chewing tobacco but in a different way.
  • Soluble tobacco: Tobacco that dissolves completely in the mouth.

Smokeless tobacco products contain more than 3,000 ingredients that affect their taste and smell.

Health effects

Countries and international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the Royal Society of Medicine, all agree that smokeless tobacco, even though it is less dangerous than smoking, is still highly addictive. , and represent a significant health risk. Smokeless tobacco use is directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Talk about public policy on tobacco control

WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has set common goals and basic standards for tobacco control policies. However, the implementation of smokeless tobacco policies is relatively weak. According to statistics, only 57 countries have relevant regulatory policies for smokeless tobacco, and 13 countries and the European Union ban the advertising and promotion of smokeless tobacco.

In many areas, smokeless tobacco is considered part of cultural heritage, with few regulations and restrictions.

The bias between selection and cognition

Many people may feel that smokeless tobacco is safer than traditional smoking. However, all tobacco products contain toxic substances, and the use of smokeless tobacco still carries significant health risks. The use of these products is extremely common in South and Southeast Asia, but the regulations for these products are not taken seriously.

Conclusion

The health effects of smokeless tobacco cannot be underestimated and should attract more people's attention and attention. Young people who use tobacco products often have difficulty quitting, which may even extend to other forms of tobacco. With this in mind, should we more actively promote regulation and education on smokeless tobacco products and increase people's awareness of their health risks?

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