Chemistry and toxicology of smokeless tobacco

Abstract

In most parts of the world, tobacco is used for smoking, whereas, in India, tobacco is used for smoking as well as in diverse smokeless forms. Absorption of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco and other ingredients added to various products are causally associated with several non-communicable diseases including cancer, especially oral cancer, which is the leading cancer among men and the third most common cancer among women in India. This article highlights the toxicity, mutagenecity and carcinogenic effects of hazardous chemicals present in smokeless tobacco products. This endeavor was based on the extensive review of literature from various sources. The SLT products have influence on cellular metabolism, ability to cause DNA damage, and cancer in experimental animals. It is, therefore, essential to consider the collective role of chemical constituents of SLT products in the causation of adverse effect on human health.

Smokeless tobacco consumption among public and heavy load drivers in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

“…Betel, a common ingredient of all types of local and industrially prepared SLT (IARC, 2004), has many cultural uses and roles, including its effects as a mild stimulant as well as a source of psychological and physiological addiction (Bhisey, 2012;Norton, 1998). Betel use can increase the plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine, thus stimulating the autonomic and central nervous systems to produce a sense of well-being, euphoria, heightened alertness, perspiration, salivation, a sensation of elevated body temperature, thus increased capacity to work (Osborne et al, 2011;IARC, 2004;Chu, 2001).…”

Characterisation of Nicotine and Cancer-Enhancing Anions in the Common Smokeless Tobacco Afzal in Oman

“…The moisture content of the Afzal samples in the current study was also higher than that reported for the Indian tobacco Bidi (10.26%), but within the range of snus (45.00-60.00%). 2,10,20 Nicotine content in STPs is considered low at ≤7,500.00 µg/g, moderate between 10,300.00-11,400.00 µg/g and high at >11,400.00 µg/g. 21 This is worth noting since, besides addiction, nicotine may cause other physiological effects such as an increase in pulse rate, blood pressure and plasma free fatty acids and the mobilisation of blood sugar and catecholamines in the blood.…”

Implications of Use of Tobacco Smoke Infused Water

“…In Southeast Asia, smokeless tobacco products are manufactured mostly small and cottage industries and their use are connected with lower socioeconomic status and rural residence (Kyaing et al 2012). Smokeless tobacco product are widely consumed in India and partly across the global population which contains many toxicants (nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrate, nitrite, acrolein, crotonaldehyde and metals) and twenty eight known carcinogenic complexes in which tobacco speci ic nitrosamines are believed to be the most potent one (Bhisey et al 2012).…”