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According to a study in the American Chemical Society’s monthly journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, smokeless tobacco damages DNA and key enzymes.

In addition to damage to the DNA, the study found that smokeless tobacco extracts alter the function of the so-called CYP-450 family of enzymes. “These products are used around the world but are most common in Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean region,” the report says. “Most of the users seem to be unaware of the harmful health effects and, therefore, use smokeless tobacco to ‘treat’ toothaches, headaches, and stomachaches. This false impression only promotes tobacco use among youth.

Smokeless tobacco has harmful effects on the mouth, which include an increased risk of gum disease and oral cancer. The potential carcinogens and other chemicals in chewing tobacco and other smokeless products are absorbed into the blood and travel throughout the body.

The use of smokeless tobacco and its new products is increasing not only among men but also among children, teenagers, women, and immigrants of South Asian origin and medical and dental students.”

More info: sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100616122122.htm