In the United States about 8.1 million people are users of smokeless tobacco and its use is more prevalent in men than women, and people between the ages of 18-25 are the most likely to use smokeless tobacco, the researchers wrote. According to the study, educational background and socioeconomic status coincided with who tends to use smokeless tobacco the most. High prevalence was reported among people with a high-school diploma as their highest level of education, as well as people who live in southern states and rural areas. Blue-collar workers and service or labor workers, as well as the unemployed, were among the regular users of smokeless tobacco products. Native Americans have the highest prevalence of use (9%) followed by whites (5.8%), African Americans (1.9%), Hispanics (0.8%), and Asian Americans (0.6%).
It also appears that while U.S. chewing tobacco use has been on the decline since the 1980s, snuff consumption and production is increasing, the researchers said.
Dr. Piano reported that she received a grant from the National Institutes of Health. The researchers reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
Nicotine Concentrations in Smokeless Tobacco Products and Cigarettes Sold in the United States
Smokeless Tobacco in the U.S.A.
In a scientific statement published in Circulation, the American Heart Association highlighted other trends related to smokeless tobacco (ST) use in the United States.
As smoke-free air laws become more commonplace in public areas, the AHA said, smokeless tobacco marketers have been promoting their products for use where cigarette smoking is prohibited. The researchers also pointed out a rise in smokeless tobacco use in teenage boys and reported that in 2008 1.4 million people aged 12 and older began using smokeless tobacco, up 47% from 2002 figures. In addition, and of concern, the researchers said, “less than half of the new initiates of ST product use were less than 18 years of age at first use and adolescent males.”
In response to these trends, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final regulation prohibiting the sale of tobacco products —smokeless and otherwise — to anyone under the age of 18. This regulation is a part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The act has specific requirements about the labeling of smokeless tobacco products and advertisements, which must include at least 1 of these 4 warnings:
WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer.
WARNING: This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss.
WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.
As of June 22, all tobacco products had to have these labels and follow the guidelines. Smokeless tobacco products had until July 22 to comply with the new laws regarding labeling.