Chemicals in Smokeless Tobacco
Oral smokeless tobacco contains numerous carcinogens, including polonium 210, tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines, volatile aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. An analysis of the nicotine content of 11 brands of popular smokeless tobacco products found that moist snuff has the highest nicotine content, whereas loose-leaf chewing tobacco has the lowest nicotine content. In addition, a lot of other chemicals including heavy metals are found in these products. These metals include cadmium, zinc and polonium. These heavy metals are thought to be leached into the products from insecticides and agricultural sprays.
Pure nicotine and smokeless tobacco extract (STE) have been compared for their oxidative stress actions by measuring the generation of reactive oxygen species. Pure nicotine has been found to be less toxic than STE with equivalent amounts of nicotine.
Addiction potential
There is no doubt that smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as smoking. Both products contain nicotine which is the additive agent. Despite the fact that the smokeless products are safer than cigarettes, they are still addictive. Just as with smoking, withdrawal from chewing tobacco causes signs and symptoms such as intense cravings, increased appetite, irritability and depressed moods.
People who use chewing tobacco eventually develop a tolerance for nicotine and need more tobacco to feel the effects of the nicotine. Some people switch to brands with more nicotine and tend to use chewing tobacco more frequently the longer they've been using smokeless products.
Government regulations and taxation on cigarettes has led to more individual turning to the smokeless products. Whether these products are less harmful than their counterparts, will only be known in the near future
Monday, April 6, 2009
Smokeless Tobacco: “Can there be fire when there is no Smoke” Part 5
Smokeless tobacco that is placed in the oral cavity also causes direct damage to the mouth (e.g., gingivitis, periodontal recession) and oral soft tissue. The risk to the user arising from use of a smokeless tobacco product varies by product and why some individuals are prone to the complications remains unknown. This is particularly so when it comes to heart complications of smokeless tobacco. All agree that the majority of individuals who use smokeless tobacco have a lesser incidence of heart problems. Why not everyone remains a mystery but is probably related to presence of other risk factors.
The use of smokeless tobacco is associated with a spectrum of oral cavity lesions, including leukoplakia, speckled leukoplakia, erythroplasia, tobacco-associated keratosis, carcinoma in situ, verrucous carcinoma, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The benign tobacco-related lesions can change over time and may become cancerous.
Snuff and chewing tobacco have also been associated with an increased risk for oral cancer. A single study of females in the southern United States revealed that chronic users of snuff were estimated to have a four times greater risk of developing oral cancer. In addition, a significant number of oral cancers in smokeless tobacco users developed a cancer at the site where the tobaccos was placed. However, the use of smokeless tobacco appears to be associated with a much lower cancer risk than that associated with smoked tobacco. Despite all the studies showing an increase in oral cancer with smokeless products, there is no direct correlation between use and cancer. In the US, the highest use of smokeless tobacco is in West Virginia, but the oral cancer rates are below the national average.
Recent studies from Scandinavia have suggested that the use of Swedish snuff (which is non-fermented and has lower nitrosamine levels) is not associated with an increased risk for oral cancer
Any patient with an oral lesion in the mouth must be seen by a doctor. Biopsy is mandatory for any persistent red lesion without an obvious cause. Treatment depends on the results of a histologic examination. Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol is of utmost importance.
The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related check-up annually and appropriate counseling should be offered to those persons who smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, those who use chewing tobacco or snuff, and those who demonstrate evidence of alcohol abuse." The USPHSTF document also notes that "...both the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Dental Research support efforts to promote the early detection of oral cancers in individuals who use tobacco products during routine dental examinations
The use of smokeless tobacco is associated with a spectrum of oral cavity lesions, including leukoplakia, speckled leukoplakia, erythroplasia, tobacco-associated keratosis, carcinoma in situ, verrucous carcinoma, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The benign tobacco-related lesions can change over time and may become cancerous.
Snuff and chewing tobacco have also been associated with an increased risk for oral cancer. A single study of females in the southern United States revealed that chronic users of snuff were estimated to have a four times greater risk of developing oral cancer. In addition, a significant number of oral cancers in smokeless tobacco users developed a cancer at the site where the tobaccos was placed. However, the use of smokeless tobacco appears to be associated with a much lower cancer risk than that associated with smoked tobacco. Despite all the studies showing an increase in oral cancer with smokeless products, there is no direct correlation between use and cancer. In the US, the highest use of smokeless tobacco is in West Virginia, but the oral cancer rates are below the national average.
Recent studies from Scandinavia have suggested that the use of Swedish snuff (which is non-fermented and has lower nitrosamine levels) is not associated with an increased risk for oral cancer
Any patient with an oral lesion in the mouth must be seen by a doctor. Biopsy is mandatory for any persistent red lesion without an obvious cause. Treatment depends on the results of a histologic examination. Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol is of utmost importance.
The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related check-up annually and appropriate counseling should be offered to those persons who smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, those who use chewing tobacco or snuff, and those who demonstrate evidence of alcohol abuse." The USPHSTF document also notes that "...both the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Dental Research support efforts to promote the early detection of oral cancers in individuals who use tobacco products during routine dental examinations
Smokeless Tobacco: “Can there be fire when there is no Smoke” Part 4
Does cancer occur with smokeless tobacco
Unlike cigarette smoking, it is still not known completely known whether smokeless tobacco can cause cancer of the oral cavity. Numerous studies have been done and the results are conflicting. Some researchers claim that smokeless tobacco products have a very low risk for causing cancer of the oral cavity and that the products could be used as a means to stop smoking. If the data show that these products are harmless, it really makes one wonder why the government would make it mandatory for warning signs to be placed on all smokeless tobacco products.
Health Hazard of Smokeless Tobacco
For decades there had been a big debate about the association of oral cavity cancer with the use of smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is not harmless. There is a lot of evidence that smokeless tobacco products used in SE Asia and in the United States cause oral cancer. Today, all studies have confirmed that Oral cancer is 4 times more likely to occur in users of smokeless tobacco than in those who do not use tobacco products. The annual incidence of oral cancer is estimated at 26 cases per 100,000 users of smokeless tobacco. Today, the incidence of oral cancer in the United States is estimated to be 30,000 cases per year, with an estimated 7800 deaths from oral cancer in 2001.
The survival rates for individual who develop oral cavity cancers is variable and dependent on the size of the rumor, time of diagnosis, location of the lesion and whether the tumor has spread to the adjacent neck lymph nodes. For most individuals who have an oral cavity cancer, at 5 years less than 35% are alive. Other studies do show that a significant number of individual who have used smokeless tobacco products have an increased risk of heart disease and also breast cancer
Unlike cigarette smoking, it is still not known completely known whether smokeless tobacco can cause cancer of the oral cavity. Numerous studies have been done and the results are conflicting. Some researchers claim that smokeless tobacco products have a very low risk for causing cancer of the oral cavity and that the products could be used as a means to stop smoking. If the data show that these products are harmless, it really makes one wonder why the government would make it mandatory for warning signs to be placed on all smokeless tobacco products.
Health Hazard of Smokeless Tobacco
For decades there had been a big debate about the association of oral cavity cancer with the use of smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is not harmless. There is a lot of evidence that smokeless tobacco products used in SE Asia and in the United States cause oral cancer. Today, all studies have confirmed that Oral cancer is 4 times more likely to occur in users of smokeless tobacco than in those who do not use tobacco products. The annual incidence of oral cancer is estimated at 26 cases per 100,000 users of smokeless tobacco. Today, the incidence of oral cancer in the United States is estimated to be 30,000 cases per year, with an estimated 7800 deaths from oral cancer in 2001.
The survival rates for individual who develop oral cavity cancers is variable and dependent on the size of the rumor, time of diagnosis, location of the lesion and whether the tumor has spread to the adjacent neck lymph nodes. For most individuals who have an oral cavity cancer, at 5 years less than 35% are alive. Other studies do show that a significant number of individual who have used smokeless tobacco products have an increased risk of heart disease and also breast cancer
Smokeless Tobacco: “Can there be fire when there is no Smoke” Part 3
Types of smokeless tobacco
Dipping tobacco (also known as American moist snuff or spit tobacco) is a form of smokeless tobacco. Unlike chewing tobacco, Dip is 'pinched' out of the tin, and placed between the lower or upper lip and gums. The dip then stimulates saliva secretion and the nicotine in the tobacco is transferred by the saliva to the body. The effects of nicotine take about 20-30 minutes to take effect.
The dip always causing an excess of salivation. The saliva is best spit out because swallowing can cause a lot of irritation to the back of the throat, nausea and vomiting. There are a few long terms users who are able to swallow this excess saliva without any undue problems.
With cosmesis of an importance to the tobacco industry, user friendly products have been devised. Gone are the days when gobs of spit were common after use. The current day products come in all flavors and smells and the majority do not cause excess spit. One more tactic by the industry to lure more users.
Nicotine and Chemicals in Smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco contains numerous chemicals with the potential of causing cancer. Despite all industry claims, nicotine is found in high concentration in all smokeless products and moist snuff has the highest nicotine content, whereas loose-leaf chewing tobacco has the lowest nicotine content. Numerous studies have shown that twice as much nicotine per dose from smokeless tobacco is absorbed per dose from smokeless tobacco than cigarettes. The nicotine which is ingested from the mouth stays longer in the body compared to smoking.
Exactly what the other additives are in smokeless tobacco are hard to know because there are so many products. These smokeless tobacco products are made in many different countries by many different companies with little regulation of their content. The additives, their composition, dose and purity remain unknown.
Dipping tobacco (also known as American moist snuff or spit tobacco) is a form of smokeless tobacco. Unlike chewing tobacco, Dip is 'pinched' out of the tin, and placed between the lower or upper lip and gums. The dip then stimulates saliva secretion and the nicotine in the tobacco is transferred by the saliva to the body. The effects of nicotine take about 20-30 minutes to take effect.
The dip always causing an excess of salivation. The saliva is best spit out because swallowing can cause a lot of irritation to the back of the throat, nausea and vomiting. There are a few long terms users who are able to swallow this excess saliva without any undue problems.
With cosmesis of an importance to the tobacco industry, user friendly products have been devised. Gone are the days when gobs of spit were common after use. The current day products come in all flavors and smells and the majority do not cause excess spit. One more tactic by the industry to lure more users.
Nicotine and Chemicals in Smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco contains numerous chemicals with the potential of causing cancer. Despite all industry claims, nicotine is found in high concentration in all smokeless products and moist snuff has the highest nicotine content, whereas loose-leaf chewing tobacco has the lowest nicotine content. Numerous studies have shown that twice as much nicotine per dose from smokeless tobacco is absorbed per dose from smokeless tobacco than cigarettes. The nicotine which is ingested from the mouth stays longer in the body compared to smoking.
Exactly what the other additives are in smokeless tobacco are hard to know because there are so many products. These smokeless tobacco products are made in many different countries by many different companies with little regulation of their content. The additives, their composition, dose and purity remain unknown.
Smokeless Tobacco: “Can there be fire when there is no Smoke” Part 2
Only in the last 2 decades has there been a major thrust to reduce the morbidity and mortality of smoking.
Faced with increasing smoking bans and declining cigarette consumption in North America, the tobacco industry has been trying to discover newer smokeless tobacco products. The products have already initiated a lot of critic. The tobacco industry claims that these products enable one to stop smoking and are much safer- the tobacco antagonists on the other claim that these products are a mere alternative to smoking and just as addictive. Critics also claim that these products are attracting an increasing number of younger adults, many who have never smoked before. None of the companies is claiming that the new products are safer than cigarettes.
It is estimated that close to 10-12 million individuals in the USA use smokeless tobacco products. The term smokeless tobacco is used to define non smoking products such as dip, plug, chew, snuff or spit tobacco, refers to both chewing tobacco (coarse or fine cut). Snuff may be used in a dry form, which is inhaled nasally, or in the more commonly used moist form, which is placed in the mouth.
Over the past 2 decades, the popularity of oral smokeless products has rapidly especially among white males. Data from the US centers for disease control and prevention indicate that use of smokeless tobacco products is widespread across the nation and the percentage of male high school students users is increasing annually. The highest prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is in West Virginia, Arizona and Wyoming. The most surprising result of the data was that smokeless tobaccos use among older women was also increasing in most US states.
Current data indicates that the use of smokeless tobacco products begins relatively early in life for most users. Surveys indicate that children and high school students have experimented with these products as early as age 9. The majority of users claim to have started using these products at an early age and continue throughout life.
Smokeless tobacco goes by numerous synonym- smokeless tobacco, spit tobacco, chew, snuff, pinch, plug or dip — but whatever it is called it sure is not harmless. If one is led to believe all what the tobacco industry claims, then switch from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco is a godsend. However, be warned this is exactly what the tobacco industry claimed about cigarette 50 years ago. All Tobacco products are harmful; irrespective whether one inhales them, chews them or swallows them.
Faced with increasing smoking bans and declining cigarette consumption in North America, the tobacco industry has been trying to discover newer smokeless tobacco products. The products have already initiated a lot of critic. The tobacco industry claims that these products enable one to stop smoking and are much safer- the tobacco antagonists on the other claim that these products are a mere alternative to smoking and just as addictive. Critics also claim that these products are attracting an increasing number of younger adults, many who have never smoked before. None of the companies is claiming that the new products are safer than cigarettes.
It is estimated that close to 10-12 million individuals in the USA use smokeless tobacco products. The term smokeless tobacco is used to define non smoking products such as dip, plug, chew, snuff or spit tobacco, refers to both chewing tobacco (coarse or fine cut). Snuff may be used in a dry form, which is inhaled nasally, or in the more commonly used moist form, which is placed in the mouth.
Over the past 2 decades, the popularity of oral smokeless products has rapidly especially among white males. Data from the US centers for disease control and prevention indicate that use of smokeless tobacco products is widespread across the nation and the percentage of male high school students users is increasing annually. The highest prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is in West Virginia, Arizona and Wyoming. The most surprising result of the data was that smokeless tobaccos use among older women was also increasing in most US states.
Current data indicates that the use of smokeless tobacco products begins relatively early in life for most users. Surveys indicate that children and high school students have experimented with these products as early as age 9. The majority of users claim to have started using these products at an early age and continue throughout life.
Smokeless tobacco goes by numerous synonym- smokeless tobacco, spit tobacco, chew, snuff, pinch, plug or dip — but whatever it is called it sure is not harmless. If one is led to believe all what the tobacco industry claims, then switch from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco is a godsend. However, be warned this is exactly what the tobacco industry claimed about cigarette 50 years ago. All Tobacco products are harmful; irrespective whether one inhales them, chews them or swallows them.
Smokeless Tobacco: “Can there be fire when there is no Smoke”
Some facts are indisputable. Close to 50 million Americans smoke and about half a million die each year from smoking related health complications. These health complications include heart and lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema. In addition life expectancy in smoker is reduced by at least 8 years in comparison to non smoker. The cost of looking after the health problems is in the billions annually.
With an increased recognition of the health related problems connected to smoking, a major thrust by the pharmaceutical industry over the past 4 decades has been the search for the ultimate drug to cure smoking related addiction.
Numerous drugs have been developed over the years to help stop smoking. This industry has just become as profitable as the manufacturers of tobacco related products because none of the products work. Both the nicotine patch (in variable doses) and bupropion are recommended in treating nicotine dependence, with an additive effect when used in combination. Other medications useful in treating nicotine dependence include nicotine nasal spray inhalers; nicotine gum; herbs, nutritional supplements and non tobacco snuff products containing mint, clover, alfalfa, and flavorings.
The majority of these products contain nicotine in variable doses and may help curb the craving effect after cessation of the tobacco product. The latest drug to have shown some benefit in decreasing tobaccos dependence is bupropion. A few studies do show that it may decrease the nicotine craving; however, there are just as many studies which show no effect. The major cause of failure is relapse after a few months.
With an increased recognition of the health related problems connected to smoking, a major thrust by the pharmaceutical industry over the past 4 decades has been the search for the ultimate drug to cure smoking related addiction.
Numerous drugs have been developed over the years to help stop smoking. This industry has just become as profitable as the manufacturers of tobacco related products because none of the products work. Both the nicotine patch (in variable doses) and bupropion are recommended in treating nicotine dependence, with an additive effect when used in combination. Other medications useful in treating nicotine dependence include nicotine nasal spray inhalers; nicotine gum; herbs, nutritional supplements and non tobacco snuff products containing mint, clover, alfalfa, and flavorings.
The majority of these products contain nicotine in variable doses and may help curb the craving effect after cessation of the tobacco product. The latest drug to have shown some benefit in decreasing tobaccos dependence is bupropion. A few studies do show that it may decrease the nicotine craving; however, there are just as many studies which show no effect. The major cause of failure is relapse after a few months.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Mobility Scooters 101 Part 2
Make sure that the scooter you buy can be transported. If you use your scooter at work then you need to carry it in your car. If it is a large bulky scooter, you will have a hard time transporting it. Most of the latest designs of scooters have folding features which allow you to fold and store the scooter in the trunk of the car. For a frequent traveler, this feature is a major requirement
Get a scooter which is easy to use. The old mobility scooters had long handles and access to many parts can be difficult. Never buy a scooter without first trying it. Sit on it, ride it, and get the feel. The other feature of a scooter one needs to asses is how it operates; is it stable, can you maneuver the scooter in tight spaces and corner and can it go up an incline?
Further, for those who live in apartment, the mobility scooter must be capable of going backwards and turning in tight spaces. Always make sure the scooter is stable on all planes.
Comfort should be another feature to look for when buying a scooter. Make sure that the handlebars and seat height is adequate. Some large scooters also come with removable parts for easy transport. Most large scooters have many more features and are stable but can be difficult to store/transport. The more fancy scooters come with padded seats and many even have a back rest. The more accessories you add, the more expensive the scooter becomes.
For those who work or shop, one needs to get a scooter which can carry luggage. If you go grocery shopping, you need to the scooter to safely carry the bags. Determine what weight you can carry on the scooter. Most current scooters can carry a weight of 300-350 pounds. Some scooters even have a baggage comportment near the handlebars.
Cost: The cost is a major factor when buying a scooter. The least fancy ones cost around $600 and the more expensive one go above $1000. If you do not know what you want, go browse online and write to the reps. The last thing you should do is buy a scooter in a rush and find out that it does not have any of the above features
For more on mobility scooters, go to www.medexupply.com
Get a scooter which is easy to use. The old mobility scooters had long handles and access to many parts can be difficult. Never buy a scooter without first trying it. Sit on it, ride it, and get the feel. The other feature of a scooter one needs to asses is how it operates; is it stable, can you maneuver the scooter in tight spaces and corner and can it go up an incline?
Further, for those who live in apartment, the mobility scooter must be capable of going backwards and turning in tight spaces. Always make sure the scooter is stable on all planes.
Comfort should be another feature to look for when buying a scooter. Make sure that the handlebars and seat height is adequate. Some large scooters also come with removable parts for easy transport. Most large scooters have many more features and are stable but can be difficult to store/transport. The more fancy scooters come with padded seats and many even have a back rest. The more accessories you add, the more expensive the scooter becomes.
For those who work or shop, one needs to get a scooter which can carry luggage. If you go grocery shopping, you need to the scooter to safely carry the bags. Determine what weight you can carry on the scooter. Most current scooters can carry a weight of 300-350 pounds. Some scooters even have a baggage comportment near the handlebars.
Cost: The cost is a major factor when buying a scooter. The least fancy ones cost around $600 and the more expensive one go above $1000. If you do not know what you want, go browse online and write to the reps. The last thing you should do is buy a scooter in a rush and find out that it does not have any of the above features
For more on mobility scooters, go to www.medexupply.com
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