Why is smokeless tobacco being prohibited?
DHS is concerned with protecting and promoting the health and well-being of Oregonians. While using smokeless tobacco products does not interfere with non-users in the way secondhand smoke does, products like chewing tobacco and snuff can be addictive and pose serious health risks to those who use them. Because of this, the policy covers all tobacco products. Project Quit and the other resources being offered in conjunction with the policy are available to smokeless tobacco users who want to learn more about the risks or quit. In terms of health risks, it is misleading to distinguish between cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Both can pose serious health risks. Smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and can lead to addiction and dependence, just like cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents. Users also have an increased risk of developing mouth cancer other oral health problems, including lesions (i.e., leukopl
