StarBulletin.com

Tobacco product endangers kids


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POSTED: Friday, April 24, 2009

Some say the new Camel Snus is a hit nationwide. With this new product, the tobacco company hopes to cash in with those who prefer smokeless tobacco. The colorful and attractive packaging, some say, tempt children and teens into thinking that the product is like candy or an appealing treat.

Made in Sweden, Snus, which is the Swedish term for tobacco, is pronounced “;snooze.”;

This new form of tobacco is in a pouch like a tea bag, filled with smokeless, steam-pasteurized tobacco. The tobacco is placed between the gum and the cheek to satisfy nicotine cravings.

“;I would never try this,”; says junior Brandon Kamake'eaina. “;I think it's nasty because it probably will give me diseases in my mouth, and I would not want to get addicted.”;

Some think that children will not be attracted to this product, but some children might find it an easy way to get a buzz without Mom and Dad knowing.

Some might claim that smokeless tobacco is safer, but the research shows that even smokeless tobacco can cause cancer and other health problems because it contains carcinogens. Health officials are upset because they think the tobacco company is targeting children.