Yes, you read the title right. There is in fact smokeless tobacco. The common snuff traditionally used in Nigeria is an example. On the other hand, cigarettes and cigars are forms of smoked tobacco.
Now, the Federal Ministry of Health puts a warning on every cigarette packet that “smokers are liable to die young”. So we all know that smoked tobacco is dangerous chiefly because it causes lung cancer. But is smokeless tobacco (like snuff) equally dangerous? Let’s find out!
What Is Smokeless Tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco is tobacco consumed without burning it. Smoked tobacco includes cigarettes, cigars and shisha. But see smokeless tobacco forms below:
- Snuff (dry or moist powder): Dry snuff is inhaled nasally. Moist powder is packaged almost like a teabag and is kept between the cheeks and the gums and sucked on.
- Chewing tobacco: Some people chew tobacco leaves and either spit out or swallow the juices.
- Local herbal mixtures with tobacco: “Agbo” prepared containing tobacco.
- Flavored tobacco: Tobacco is packaged and colored like a sweet that can be sucked on and dissolved in the mouth. This form is not yet very common in Nigeria.
The Belief: “It’s Safer Than Smoking”
Some people believe that when consuming these forms of tobacco, since smoking is not involved, they are safer. While their idea is understandable, it is not completely true. Smokeless tobacco indeed has a lower risk of causing lung cancer since it does not carry tar, and many other dangerous chemicals created by burning, into the lungs.
However, there are other risks which are even increased with smokeless tobacco.
The Hidden Dangers
Smokeless tobacco still contains the active substance nicotine. This chemical is responsible for addiction and has been implicated in various cancers and heart illnesses. So with smokeless tobacco, there is:
- High risk of mouth, throat, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers
- Can cause tooth staining , tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Increases risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
- Contains nicotine, which causes addiction
- Brain damage in teenagers
- Miscarriage, low birth weight and birth defects
You should know that even traditional snuff sold in markets often has added chemicals (like potash and camphor) which can be dangerous as well.
What You Can Do
- Avoid all forms of tobacco, not just cigarettes. Don’t experiment. Don’t be pressured.
- Seek help to quit if addicted. You CAN quit smoking. Learn how to do so here.
- Do you know anyone who uses tobacco? Inform them of the health risks and share with them resources and support to help them quit and stay tobacco-free.
Conclusion
Smokeless doesn’t mean harmless. Whether you chew it, sniff it, or mix it with herbs—tobacco still poses serious health risks.
Do you have an addiction? Read our post about how to get help.
