Smokeless Tobacco Use Remains High

Department of Health in Franklin County and Tobacco Free Florida 

are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week”

Apalachicola, FL - Department of Health in Franklin County and the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, during “Through With Chew Week.” This public awareness campaign was created to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people and help combat this deadly addiction. “Through With Chew Week” takes place Feb. 14-20.

To raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use, Apalachicola Bay Charter and Franklin County School SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) will be hosting various events on their campuses which focus is on the need to totally eradicate Smokeless Tobacco usage in Franklin County through information and education. These events will be taking place beginning on Monday 15^th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th.

Although youth cigarette smoking rates in Florida are at an all-time low, 3.9 percent of high school students in Franklin County reported current use of smokeless tobacco products in 2014, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey.

“Smokeless tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that are known to cause cancer,” said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Gulf and Franklin Counties. "Youth who use smokeless products are more likely to experiment with other types of tobacco. Studies have shown that adolescent boys who use smokeless tobacco have a higher risk of becoming cigarette smokers.”

At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco users have an 80 percent higher risk of oral cancer and a 60 percent higher risk of esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer compared to non-users.

Currently, there is no scientific or medical evidence that proves smokeless tobacco use is an effective method to help people quit smoking. Floridians who want to quit any form of tobacco have access to free and proven-effective resources.

• CALL: Call Tobacco Free Florida at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach® who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.
• CLICK: Tobacco Free Florida’s online cessation tool can be accessed at tobaccofreeflorida.com/webcoach.
• COME IN: In person help is available with the help of Area Health Education Centers by calling (877) 848-6696 or visiting www.ahectobacco.com.

For more information, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.