Tue
Apr
3
2012

Carcinogenic Chemical Isolated in Smokeless Tobacco

smokeless tobacco

It’s long been known that chemicals in smokeless tobacco (aka “chewing tobacco,” “snuff,” “dip” or “chew”) can lead to oral cancer, but until recently, it was unclear as to exactly which were specifically carcinogenic.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota has changed this. The researchers believe that they’ve isolated the primary carcinogen in smokeless tobacco, a chemical known as (S)-NNN, or (S)-N’-nitrosonornicotine.

Silvia Balbo, the lead cancer researcher behind the study, said that her study officially confirms that (S)-NNN is the only known carcinogenic chemical present in smokeless tobacco. Future studies will determine whether additional chemicals in snuff are carcinogenic as well.

(S)-NNN Causes Tumors in Rats, According to Study

During the study, Balbo and a team of researchers separated 48 laboratory rats into two groups: a control group and an (S)-NNN group. The rats in the control group were given normal tap water, while the rats in the (S)-NNN group were given a large dose of (S)-NNN. The dosage of (S)-NNN was designed to roughly equal the dosage a human would receive through chronic use of smokeless tobacco products.

All of the rats in the (S)-NNN group died in less than 18 months after developing both oral tumors and esophageal tumors. Meanwhile, the rats in the control group lived normally and didn’t experience any symptoms of oral or esophageal cancer.

Although the study was conducted using rats, Balbo and her colleagues are confident that the results apply to humans since both rats and humans respond similarly to carcinogens.

Not a Safe Alternative to Cigarettes

The warning phrase “not a safe alternative to cigarettes” is already present on most smokeless tobacco products, and many even include a label stating that smokeless tobacco causes mouth cancer. Tobacco manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration to place these types of labels on their products. According to Balbo, the findings of the University of Minnesota study represent just one more reason why smokeless tobacco is dangerous to your health.

Next, Balbo and her colleagues have their sights set on identifying additional carcinogens in chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco. A number of studies have already shown that chemicals known as nitrosamines greatly increase cancer risk in animals, and (S)-NNN is just one of many nitrosamines found in smokeless tobacco. The researchers will likely examine other chemicals belonging to the nitrosamine family as their next priority.

Balbo is also confident that tobacco manufacturers can take measures to reduce the levels of (S)-NNN in their products. Such measures could reduce the cancer risk of individuals who choose to use smokeless tobacco, according to the researchers.

Chemicals in Smokeless Tobacco: The Bottom Line

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a specific chemical that causes oral cancer in smokeless tobacco. The chemical, known as (S)-NNN, belongs to a family of other chemicals that may also contribute to cancer risk. Although the study was performed using rats, the researchers are confident that the results will transfer to humans.

While the full text of the study has yet to be published online, it should appear shortly after it’s presented at the Chicago meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research this week.

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