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Teen Use Of Smokeless Tobacco

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is no doubt that not smoking cigarettes is one of the keys to good health. But another problem closely related to cigarettes is using smokeless tobacco. That is why a Harvard study is so important.

The National Youth Tobacco Survey looked at middle and high school students across the nation from 2000-2011 and found the prevalence increased significantly in the 15-17 year old age group. The report points to products such as "moist snuff", the introduction of flavored products, and lower taxes on smokeless tobacco products compared to cigarettes, as reasons for the continued use of these products.

What is most shocking is there is no prohibition on dispensing of free samples.

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