Even Smokeless Tobacco Kills !

Wellness

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 16:43

Those of you who till now mistakenly assumed that a smokeless tobacco is a lesser-evil-alternative after kicking the butt, here is a piece of information to chew on. Researchers have warned that smokeless tobacco exposes the user to the same amount of another group of dangerous chemicals as the smoke of five cigarettes.

The study clearly shows that smokeless tobacco is not safe and places snuff on the same list of major sources of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as smoking cigarettes, says Dr. Irina Stepanov, who led the research team.

The research on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in smokeless tobacco adds to existing evidence that smokeless contains two-dozen other carcinogens that cause oral and pancreatic cancers.

Stepanov says that until recently, scientists believed that only trace amounts of PAH existed in snuff because the tobacco was not burned when used. This assumption proved to be wrong.

The PAHs are widespread environmental contaminants formed as a result of incomplete burning of wood, coal, fat in meat, and organic matter. The PAH formation occurs during the grilling of burgers, steaks and other meat.

The researchers have earlier found a total of 28 carcinogens in smokeless tobacco, and continued exposure to these over a period of time can lead to cancer. "Now we have found even more carcinogens in snuff," Stepanov adds.

In addition to the increased risk of cancer, she notes that chronic use of snuff leads to nicotine addiction, just as with cigarette smoking.

AGENCIES

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.