Oh dear

[karohemd]

You know those breath fresheners that dissolve on your tongue?

Camel make them with tobacco
Warning: This product may cause gum disease and tooth loss.
Nothing about cancer...

o_O
(via Warren Ellis' blog)

Comments

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Out of interest, why would you expect it to cause cancer?

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

My understanding has always been that it's the carcinogens in the smoke which cause cancer (hence 'second hand smoke'), rather than the baccy itself.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

I thought stuff like chewing tobacco causes cancer as well?

Hmmn... (quick research)

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

What harmful chemicals are found in smokeless tobacco?

Chewing tobacco and snuff contain 28 carcinogens (cancer–causing agents). The most harmful carcinogens in smokeless tobacco are the tobacco–specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). They are formed during the growing, curing, fermenting, and aging of tobacco. TSNAs have been detected in some smokeless tobacco products at levels many times higher than levels of other types of nitrosamines that are allowed in foods, such as bacon and beer.

My guess, then, is that the chewing baccy contains them there TSNA thingies at levels low enough not to qualify for warnings, in the same way that beer and bacon do?

Re: Hmmn... (quick research)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Fair enough. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Ah, I thought all tobacco products caused cancer (see below) because I remember reading something about chewing tobacco so whoever wrote that was clearly wrong...