Smokeless tobacco is better known as spit tobacco, chewing tobacco, chew, and dip. Users put tobacco leaves into their mouth and suck on them instead of smoking them in cigarettes. Chewing tobacco is larger-grain tobacco leaves that are twisted or shredded and come loose in paper packets or small cans.
Other health effects include:
- Nicotine addiction
- Increased risks for early delivery and stillbirth when used during pregnancy
- Nicotine poisoning in children
- May increase the risk for death from heart disease and stroke1
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Nevada)
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is conducted across the state of Nevada every two years. This survey is administered to both middle and high school students and the local data informs decision makers on a variety of issues including substance misuse.
Middle School
In Clark County, 2.4% of middle school students reported they have used smokeless tobacco during the past 30 days before the survey. Although the percentages are small, this shows a 0.7% increase since 2017, and has been slowly increasing since 2015.
High School
In Clark County, 3.2% of high school students reported they have used smokeless tobacco during the past 30 days before the survey. Similar to Clark County middle school students; although the percentages are small, this shows a 1% increase since 2017, and has been slowly increasing since 2015.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Nevada)
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the nation’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
In 2018, 1.8 % Nevadans reported they currently use chewing tobacco, snuff, or snus (every day). This system shows us a growing increase since 2015.
