Smokeless tobacco, often romanticized in old western movies and seen being used by baseball players, is a highly addictive form of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco can cause cancer, damage teeth and gums, and have a negative social impact. In fact, homerun king Mark McGwire, whose father is a dentist, is an ardent spokesman against smokeless tobacco. McGwire has raised awareness about the dangerous habit, and is a positive role model for all athletes who are, or are considering using smokeless tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco contains many chemicals and additives that cause addiction and cancer.
One can of smokeless tobacco contains the same amount of addictive nicotine as 60 cigarettes. Polonium 210, Cadmium, Cyanide, Arsenic, Benzene, and Lead. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth and throat. Smokeless tobacco causes many dental problems as well. The grit and other irritants in the product cause the teeth to erode, and the gums to recede.