Health Effects

Harmful chemicals

Spit tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes do. It also contains over 3,000 chemicals, including 28 known cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). The most harmful carcinogens in spit tobacco are the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Other cancer-causing substances are formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, arsenic, nickel, cadmium and benzopyrene.

Health effects

Spit tobacco causes cancer, damage to the mouth and cardiovascular diseases.

Cancer

Spit tobacco causes oral cancer, and increases the risk of cancers of the throat, voice box and oesophagus. On average, half of all oral cancer victims die within five years.

Oral damage

Spit tobacco damages the inside of the mouth. Spit tobacco can cause leukoplakia (sores which can develop into cancer), tooth abrasion, gum recession, gum and tooth disease, yellowing of teeth and chronic bad breath. Long-term snuff users increase their risk of cancer of the cheek and gum by up to 50 times.

Cardiovascular diseases

Spit tobacco may increase the risk of heart disease, diseases of the arteries and veins, stroke and high blood pressure.

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, slowing reaction time and causing dizziness - a disadvantage when playing sports or working in a dangerous environment.

Quick Facts

• Spit tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes. 
• Spit tobacco causes oral cancer. 
• Long-term moist snuff users increase their risk of cancer of the cheek and gum by up to 50 times.
• Spit tobacco increases the risk of cancers of the throat, voice box and oesophagus.
• Spit tobacco affects the cardiovascular system and may cause heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
• Many people start using spit tobacco at a very young age (approximately nine or 10 years old).
• About half of all oral cancer victims die within five years.