SMOKELESS TOBACCO

Smokeless tobacco practices are common in some ports of the world and the use seems to be increasing. Nicotine exposure is similar in smokel ess tobacco users and smokers, often leading to strong physical depend ence. As a rule, smokeless tobacco products contain high levels of nit rosamines with carcinogenic potency in experimental animals. Habitual use of oral tobacco can increase the risk of oral cancer, but the data ore insufficient to assess in detail the risks associated with many t ypes of smokeless tobacco. A recent study suggests that smokeless toba cco use is related to cardiovascular disease, which could be of great public health importance. The known and suspected health risks associa ted with the use of smokeless tobacco provide a basis for preventive a ction. In particular, efforts are needed to limit the introduction of such practices among young people, which may serve as a gateway to smo king.