Smokeless tobacco: the health consequences of snuff and chewing tobacco.

The use of smokeless forms of tobacco, such as snuff and chewing tobacco, is growing at alarming rates. The largest group of smokeless-tobacco users includes adolescent and young adult males. The health consequences related to smokeless-tobacco use include cancer of the oral mucosa and other sites, the potential for accelerated cardiovascular disease, and stress to the unborn infants of female users. This article provides background information about the problem and offers suggestions for interventions.