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Other studies have shown that moist snuff had between 4.7 and 24.3 milligrams per gram of tobacco, dry snuff had between 10.5 and 24.8 milligrams per gram of tobacco, and chewing tobacco had between 3.4 and 39.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco ( 4). The level of nicotine in the blood depends on the amount of nicotine in the smokeless tobacco product, the tobacco cut size, the product’s pH (a measure of its acidity or basicity), and other factors ( 3).Ī Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of the 40 most widely used popular brands of moist snuff showed that the amount of nicotine per gram of tobacco ranged from 4.4 milligrams to 25.0 milligrams ( 3). Also, the nicotine stays in the blood longer for users of smokeless tobacco than for smokers ( 2). Even after the tobacco is removed from the mouth, nicotine continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In users of smokeless tobacco, nicotine is absorbed through the mouth tissues directly into the blood, where it goes to the brain. Users of smokeless tobacco and users of cigarettes have comparable levels of nicotine in the blood. All tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, contain nicotine, which is addictive ( 1). Some people inhale dry snuff into the nose.Īre there harmful chemicals in smokeless tobacco? Another name for moist snuff is snus (pronounced “snoose”). The user places a pinch or pouch of moist snuff between the cheek and gums or behind the upper or lower lip. It is available loose, in dissolvable lozenges or strips, or in small pouches similar to tea bags. It is packaged moist or dry most American snuff is moist. It may be sold in different scents and flavors. Snuff, which is finely cut or powdered tobacco. A piece of tobacco is placed between the cheek and lower lip, typically toward the back of the mouth. There are two main types of smokeless tobacco:Ĭhewing tobacco, which is available as loose leaves, plugs (bricks), or twists of rope. People in many regions and countries, including North America, northern Europe, India and other Asian countries, and parts of Africa, have a long history of using smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine in the tobacco is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Most people chew or suck (dip) the tobacco in their mouth and spit out the tobacco juices that build up, although “spitless” smokeless tobacco has also been developed. It is also known as chewing tobacco, oral tobacco, spit or spitting tobacco, dip, chew, and snuff. Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned.