Smokeless Tobacco: a Spittin' Image

Chewing tobacco, or "dippin' snuff" as the practice is colorfully known, ain't good for you. Writer/director Debra Buenting's short film, aimed at kids aged 9-15, interviews former smokeless tobacco users and health care experts about the numerous medical and social disadvantages to being a tobacco spitter. Like cost ($20 a week), the fact that one "looks and smells funny," it's habit forming, and, of course, it can kill you. One pouch of tobacco equals about 2 packs of cigarettes and throws a heckuva nicotine punch (which can lead to mouth and throat cancer). Good graphics and music, combined with hard-hitting statistics and testimonials make Smokeless Tobacco a good choice for young adult health collections. Recommended. (R. Pitman)