Are smoking restrictions on the job creating more health problems?

As more and more workplaces restrict smoking among its employees, have these restrictions led to an increase in smokeless tobacco use among US workers. Smokeless tobacco exposure increases the risk of oral cavity, esophageal  and pancreatic cancers, and stroke. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use decreased from 1987-2000, except among men 25-44. While smokeless tobacco use has declined in the general population, it may be that the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use has increased among workers due to workplace smoking restrictions, which have been shown to have increased over the years.

A recent report citing the most current nationally representative National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data, discusses whether increased workplace smoking restrictions have led to an increase in smokeless tobacco use among US workers, noting that worker groups with high rates of smokeless tobacco use included farm workers (10.51%) and blue collar workers (7.26%).

To read why the report stresses that smokeless tobacco prevention strategies targeting particular worker groups are warranted, click here: http://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.com/content/9/1/6