Many people are fooled by the idea that cigarettes are the most dangerous form of tobacco product available on the market, but there are many other forms of tobacco which can be used which are just as dangerous, in some cases more dangerous that cigarette smoking.
FIY, here are the nicotine-riddled devils best avoided, for those looking to live a long happy life:
Cigars
The mother lode of all cancer sticks.
Many believe that cigars are not as dangerous as cigarettes, but in reality cigars increase your risk of cancer by ten times. They also increase the risk of heart disease and lung disease.
Chewing Tobacco
Just because there's no smoke, it doesn't mean it's not killing you.
Chewing tobacco actually contains more nicotine than cigarettes. It also increases the risk of mouth cancer. Chewing tobacco is made up of tobacco, nicotine and over two thousand chemicals which are seen to also erode teeth and cause gum disease. Generally someone will put a small amount of chewing tobacco in their mouth and chew slowly, then allow the tobacco to sit on the inside of their cheek and then chew again before spitting it out.
Snus
Gun powder for your delights, and potential health hazards.
Snus is a moist powder like tobacco product that originated in Sweden in the early 19th century. It is placed under the upper lip where it releases nicotine whilst relieving anxiety and giving a feeling of euphoria. It is increasing in popularity and has a lower level of nicotine than many of these other products.
Snuff
You hide it below your lip, so no one can tell you're killing yourself
Snuff derives from the Swedish name ‘Snus’. When Snus was introduced to Europe it was made it into a drier form which we now know as snuff. This is inhaled through the nose.
Cream Snuff
Chewy, minty, and delicious! (note: may cause cancer)
Cream snuff is a tobacco paste which is made up of tobacco, olive oil and glycerine and it sold in a toothpaste-like tube. The cream snuff is mostly used in India by women who place it discreetly in their mouths.
Pipe Smoking
It does not make you look wise. Much the other way around.
Many people believe that smoke piping isn’t as dangerous as smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. With pipe smoking, a small amount of tobacco is placed in the bowl area of the pipe, once lit the smoke is inhaled through a narrow pipe. What people fail to realise is that the tobacco they use still contains harmful chemicals and nicotine, which in turn can lead to many different diseases.
Bidis
Tiny in size, massive in number of deaths caused throughout India
Bidis is a small hand rolled cigarette which is used in Asia. The bidis is believed to contain higher levels of nicotine and offers more risk of lung disease. It is believed that the majority of lung disease patients in Asia are due to the use of Bidis.
Ketreks
Exotic, tasty, and... life threatening!
Ketreks have been sold making people believe that they are not as dangerous as cigarettes. These clove cigarettes are normally made up of sixty per cent tobacco and forty per cent cloves. They actually deliver higher levels of nicotine and tar than regular cigarettes, making them highly addictive.
This article was created by Cancer Research UK – visit their vast online resource helping people with lung cancer and other forms of the disease.