More School Athletes Using Chewing Tobacco

While high school athletes may be getting the message that cigarettes are bad for their health, it appears many don’t see the dangers involved with smokeless tobacco. Between 2001 and 2013, high school athletes use of chew, moist snuff, or dip increased 10% to 11%, while no change was noted among non-athletes. According to their findings, young athletes are almost 80% more likely to use smokeless tobacco products than those who do not participate in organized sports. Health officials believe tobacco-free policies that ban all tobacco use by players, coaches, referees, and fans on school campuses and at all public recreational facilities may help make smokeless tobacco use less acceptable and reduce its use among student athletes.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 2015