Who uses spit tobacco?
Spit tobacco was once associated with middle-aged and older men. Now, men ages 18 to 24 are the highest users. About 12 million people in the U.S. use smokeless tobacco regularly; 3 million of whom are under 21.1 Why are users starting younger? Peer pressure, the use and promotion of spit tobacco products by prominent athletes, and attractive advertising by tobacco companies that target younger markets are the primary reasons young people use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco companies also promote free sample campaigns that give away mild, flavored forms of spit tobacco. These campaigns are starter programs designed to graduate the user to stronger, more addictive brands in the future. Why isn’t more being done? People who can influence young users are often unaware of the harmful effects of spit tobacco. Parents, teachers and coaches see and hear the words “smokeless” and believe the products are harmless. Many adults who use spit tobacco are providing a negative role model and have an “at
