Chemical Components in Smokeless Tobacco Products and Impact on Health

Abstract

Smokeless Tobacco [SLT], a non-combustible form of tobacco, is consumed by 350 million people in 133 countries across the globe. Worldwide, Smokeless Tobacco products vary greatly in their formulations and chemical composition. Understanding of toxic and carcinogenic constituent variations in such products can provide valuable insights for the development of effective tobacco control policies. Though the assessment of SLT products has been done earlier, the information is not available in an inclusive and handy format as entire profiling. Hence, there is a vital need to develop a one-stop information source providing comprehensive information on SLT products. PubMed and Google scholar databases were systematically searched from 1995 till April 2020 for observational studies on Smokeless Tobacco products and their chemical components. The included studies were evaluated and data were extracted and reviewed.A wide variation was noted in the association of various diseases and specific Smokeless Tobacco product constituents based on their nature and inherent toxicity. The majority of chewing tobacco products displayed a higher risk for users.This review emphasizes the significant positive association of Smokeless Tobacco product components with health hazards. Pathways estimates for smokeless tobacco-associated disease need further analysis. The profiling of Smokeless Tobacco products also requires multi-centric well-designed studies. Further, the information would be a guide for researchers interested in the components of SLT products.