6. Why is smokeless tobacco included in this policy?

•Smokeless tobacco spit is considered a biohazard and contains at least 24 carcinogenic chemicals.

•Spit tobacco often creates unwanted hazardous waste and byproducts, which then requires disposal by campus maintenance staff members.

•A dip of smokeless tobacco typically contains 3-5 times more nicotine than a cigarette. Research shows that smokers have difficulty switching from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco. Instead, many become dual users of both cigarettes and smokeless products – increasing the addiction.

•Smokeless tobacco use is a precursor to cigarette use. Specifically, adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

•Environmental concerns. Smokeless tobacco still uses the same tobacco manufacturing methods that cause deforestation, soil erosion, and poverty.