Talk Early And Often About Alcohol, Tobacco And Other Drugs. Even When It Gets Tough
   Parent Tip
Know! The New Face of Nicotine


What is made to look like a mint (Orbs), a toothpick (Sticks) or a melt-away breath freshener (Strips) is packing a powerful nicotine punch, delivering up to three times or more that of a single cigarette.  And these dissolvable tobacco products are being test marketed in central Ohio. 

 

Smokeless Tobacco Appeals to Children

  • Packaged to look like gum or candy (which is easily concealed)
  • Kid-friendly flavors in “fresh” and “mellow”
  • No smoking, no spitting, no evidence left behind

 Know! to Talk to Your Child About These New Products

  • Share the Facts: These smokeless tobacco products are dangerous, containing 28 different cancer-causing agents. Nicotine addiction and dependence provides a direct route to tooth loss, gum disease, oral cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  • Share the Myths: Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. 
  • Be Aware: These products appeal to youth and may result in more first-time users. 

 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (February 19, 2009). The NSDUH Report: Smokeless Tobacco Use, Initiation and Relationship to Cigarette Smoking: 2002 to 2007. Rockville, MD.

 

Myers, Matthew. “R.J. Reynolds’ New Smokeless Products Will Appeal to Children And Show Need for FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products.” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. October 8, 2008.

Talking regularly with kids reduces their risk of using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Know! urges you to encourage other parents to joining Know! by taking the Parent and Caregiver Pledge. For more information log on to www.HelpThemKnow.com or call 1-866-999-KNOW.

Know! is a program of:

Drug-Free Action Alliance
6185 Huntley Road, Suite P
Columbus, Ohio 43229

With funding support from:
United Way of Central Ohio