Smokeless Tobacco: Basic Facts

Smokeless tobacco, which in this country is mainly chewing tobacco, doesn't get quite the bad publicity heaped on cigarettes, but it's no less deadly. In fact, it contains its own nasty stew of additives and carcinogens, and is just as addictive. While this video has a smaller target audience--most users are young males in specific geographic regions--the message is important: namely, that the notion of smokeless tobacco being not as "bad" as cigarettes is a myth. The gross-out/shock factor here is quite high (the tape and accompanying material are clearly and accurately labeled as containing "graphic depictions"), as medical photographs are shown documenting oral and facial damage caused by smokeless tobacco. Enough to make even the toughest kid in the class cringe--think oozing lesions, dismemberment and disfigurement complete with crusty body fluids--the presentation is, nevertheless, fairly straightforward and non-sensational, offering solid statistics and facts, as well as advice on what to expect if one quits and a listing of help hotlines. Recommended, especially for those without, or as a replacement for, the older Smokeless Tobacco: A Spittin' Image (VL-5/94). Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)