Chewing Tobacco
ucts, with a specific focus on chewing tobacco. Chewing tobacco has been a popular alternative to smoking for many years, especially among those who cannot or choose not to smoke. In this article, we will discuss the risks and effects of using chewing tobacco.
Unlike cigarettes, chewing tobacco is not burned but rather chewed or placed between the cheek and gum. This type of tobacco contains numerous harmful chemicals that can lead to various health problems, including cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas, tooth decay, and gum disease. In fact, chewing tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users.
The tobacco industry has introduced flavors into tobacco products to increase their appeal. It is believed that flavors are added to these products to attract young people who are more likely to engage with flavored products. Chewing tobacco is no exception, and there are various flavors available, including cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla. The use of flavored tobacco has become a serious concern, especially among young people, as it can lead to nicotine addiction, which can have long-term effects on their health.
Furthermore, about one-fifth (20.9%) of the population is expected to be tobacco users by 2025. Over 80% of tobacco users are cigarette smokers, making cigarettes the primary mode of tobacco use. However, the use of other tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, has been on the rise in recent years. This is particularly concerning as chewing tobacco can lead to serious health problems as mentioned earlier.
Studies have shown that the use of chewing tobacco has been started as a deliberate marketing ploy within the past two decades. The tobacco industry has been capitalizing on the niche market of people who cannot or choose not to smoke, including women, military personnel, and athletes. The industry has even gone so far as to sponsor events such as baseball games and rodeos to promote the use of chewing tobacco.
In conclusion, the use of chewing tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking. It contains numerous harmful chemicals that can lead to various health problems, including cancer. The tobacco industry's efforts to increase the appeal of chewing tobacco by introducing flavors and targeting a specific market segment should be a cause for concern. As individuals, we should make informed decisions about our health and avoid the use of any tobacco products.