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Smokeless tobacco use: harm reduction or induction approach?
Dorothy K Hatsukami1, Charlotte Lemmonds, Scott L Tomar
1Tobacco Use Research Center, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA. hatsu001@umn.edu
Preventive Medicine
|February 10, 2004
Summary
Smokeless tobacco (ST) is debated for harm reduction. While less harmful than cigarettes, ST use can increase cigarette consumption and is not harmless, necessitating more research and regulation.
Area of Science:
- Tobacco harm reduction strategies
- Public health implications of tobacco use
Background:
- Smokeless tobacco (ST) substitution for cigarettes is debated for harm reduction.
- The efficacy of ST as a smoking cessation tool or cigarette reduction method is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review issues and studies on smokeless tobacco for reducing tobacco toxin exposure and harm.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and issues concerning smokeless tobacco use for harm reduction.
Main Results:
- Smokeless tobacco product toxicity varies by brand and country.
- Cigarette smoking causes more adverse health effects, higher addiction potential, and relapse rates than ST.
- ST use may facilitate continued cigarette smoking; ST is not harmless, and medicinal nicotine is a safer alternative.
- Smokeless tobacco products lack the regulatory oversight of medicinal nicotine.
Conclusions:
- Further research and stringent regulation are required before smokeless tobacco can be considered a viable harm reduction strategy.
- The potential for ST to increase cigarette consumption and its inherent risks necessitate caution.