Smokeless tobacco use low, but consistent Health Department says

MILTON — Students Working Against Tobacco, the Tobacco Free Santa Rosa Coalition and the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida Program are raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco – like chew and dip, during Through with Chew Week. This public awareness campaign was created to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people and help combat this deadly addiction. This year’s Through With Chew Week takes place Feb. 18-24.

To raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use, SWAT and the Tobacco Free Santa Rosa Coalition will sponsor anti-smokeless tobacco activities at local schools. SWAT youth at Navarre High School, Milton High School and Hobbs Middle School will present anti-smokeless tobacco skits and banners from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day Feb. 19-21.

Although smokeless tobacco use is low, the rate has fluctuated and disproportionately affects certain areas:

• In 2012, the rate of adult smokeless tobacco use was 3.2 percent. In 2016, the rate was 3 percent. This decrease is minimal compared to the rate at which cigarette use has dropped, 17.7 percent to 15.5 percent.

• Rural communities in particular have experienced challenges in battling smokeless tobacco use. Individuals living in these areas are more likely to use tobacco – particularly smokeless tobacco.

"While we are proud that youth smokeless use is at an all-time low, the number of adult Floridians using smokeless tobacco is still an issue," Tobacco Free Florida Bureau Chief Dr. Kellie O’Dare said. "We want to remind smokeless tobacco users that our cessation services are for everyone – not just smokers."

At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco users have an 80 percent higher risk of oral cancer and a 60 percent higher risk of esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer compared to non-users.

There is no scientific or medical evidence that proves smokeless tobacco use is an effective method to help people quit smoking. Floridians who want to quit any form of tobacco have access to the state’s free and proven-effective resources.

Visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway for more information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Smokeless tobacco use low, but consistent Health Department says