Adverse Effects of Smokeless Tobacco

Many individuals believe that chewing tobacco provides a solution for smokers in environments where smoking and generating smoke are not allowed. Chewing and consuming smokeless tobacco may seem beneficial as it eliminates the exposure of others to secondhand smoke. However, it’s crucial to understand that smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, and many healthcare professionals consider it detrimental to people’s health.

 

The adverse effects of smokeless tobacco, without the presence of smoke, entangle you in the grip of nicotine. Studies indicate that smokeless tobacco, devoid of smoke, can be as addictive as drugs like morphine or cocaine. Smokeless tobacco is not solely composed of natural tobacco; with each use, several toxic chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, are absorbed by the body.

 

These substances include:

 

– Nitrosamines: The most potent known carcinogenic chemical.

– Polonium: Radioactive particles.

– Formaldehyde: A chemical used in various industries, including in the production of embalming fluid.

– Arsenic and Cadmium.

– Toxic metals.

 

Some of the adverse effects of chewing and consuming tobacco include:

 

– Oral and gum problems, along with tooth decay: In an attempt to expedite nicotine absorption into your bloodstream, smokeless tobacco contains abrasive substances such as fiberglass and sand. These substances create small sores in the gums, leading to the loss of gum tissue and even teeth. Irreversible gum recession jeopardizes tooth roots and increases the risk of cavities fourfold.

 

– Development of white patches inside the mouth: Just one week after starting smokeless tobacco consumption, small white-colored spots, known as “leukoplakia,” may appear inside the mouth. Many individuals using smokeless tobacco may encounter these unusual patches, which could indicate early signs of cancer.

 

– Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: The use of smokeless tobacco heightens the risk of high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attacks, and strokes.

 

– Susceptibility to various cancers such as oral and stomach: One of the primary consequences of chewing tobacco is an increased risk of developing cancer. The consumption of this type of tobacco elevates the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, lungs, gastric lymph nodes, and prostate.

– Respiratory diseases: Chewing tobacco can irritate and inflame the respiratory passages, leading to respiratory infections like bronchitis and lung infections.

 

– Gastrointestinal diseases: Chewing tobacco can irritate the digestive system, leading to stomach diseases, gastric ulcers, liver enlargement, and cirrhosis.

 

– Effects on mutations and reproduction: Chewing tobacco can adversely affect genetic mutations, reproductive disorders, and inhibition of reproductive cell production.

 

– Effects on skin and physical appearance: Tobacco consumption can cause premature skin aging, wrinkles, skin yellowness, and other skin issues.

 

– Mental and psychological disorders: Chewing tobacco may increase the risk of mental and psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and impaired cognitive and concentrative abilities.