The Problem
Many youth and adults choose spit tobacco, or smokeless tobacco, believing it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. It's not. In fact, one tin of the strongest brand of moist snuff has the nicotine equivalent to four packs of cigarettes (that's 80 cigarettes). Spit tobacco contains more than 2500 different chemicals and 28 are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Using spit tobacco comes with its own health consequences too:
- Nicotine addiction and dependence (nicotine is as addictive as cocaine)
- Staining of teeth and halitosis
- Dental caries (cavities)
- Tooth abrasion
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Sensory effects
- Increased risk of stomach problems
- Diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular system (heart, stroke, and high blood pressure)
- Leukoplakia (white patches)
- Oral cancer
- Death
The Solution
The NC Spit Tobacco Education Program is dedicated to the prevention and cessation of spit tobacco use. Targeting North Carolina's youth, young adults and their role models, NC Spit's mission is to change the misconception that smokeless means harmless. Through a variety of media, materials and presentations, NC Spit is reaching out and spreading the word of the consequences of turning to spit tobacco as an unhealthy alternative to smoking.