Smoke and SmokelessFrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat. Most smokeless tobacco users are former or current cigarette smokers. Some think smokeless – like snuff and chewing tobacco – is less harmful and less addictive than cigarettes. Many try smokeless as a way to stop smoking. But a study indicates this generally doesn’t work. The research by HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA -- found 88 percent of people who tried smokeless were still smoking six months later. SAMHSA’s James Colliver also says smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking: [James Colliver speaks] “The use of smokeless tobacco has been associated with a wide range of health risks including various types of cancer, a number of non-cancerous oral conditions as well as nicotine addiction and dependence.” Learn more at hhs.gov. HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss. Last revised: April, 16 2009 |