Wrong. Nicotine is the primary carcinogen. The establishment wants you to think its smoke that causes cancer (for various reasons). If you chew it you get mouth cancer.
You sent me down an interesting little rabbit hole (:
what components of chewing tobacco cause cancer?
The primary carcinogenic components in chewing tobacco are tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). TSNAs are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco, while PAHs are produced when tobacco is burned. Both of these chemicals have been linked to various types of cancer, including oral, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer.
what are TSNAs?
Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) are a group of potent carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco products, including chewing tobacco. They are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco due to the reaction of nicotine with nitrosating agents. The most common TSNAs are N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). These chemicals are known to cause DNA damage, leading to the development of various types of cancer, particularly in the oral cavity, pancreas, and esophagus.
what nitrosating agents are used?
In tobacco products, nitrosating agents are primarily introduced during the curing, processing, and storage stages. Some common nitrosating agents found in tobacco include nitrite (from the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers), nitrogen oxides (from combustion during smoking), and N-nitroso compounds (formed from the reaction of nicotine with other chemicals). These agents react with nicotine and other tobacco alkaloids to form tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) which are potent carcinogens.
is it possible to cure tobacco without these nitrosating agents?
It is theoretically possible to cure tobacco without nitrosating agents, but it would require significant changes in the curing and processing methods currently used in the tobacco industry. This could involve using alternative curing methods that do not introduce nitrosating agents, such as air-curing or shade-curing, or by implementing stricter quality control measures during the processing and storage of tobacco to minimize the formation of TSNAs. However, such changes would likely impact the taste and overall characteristics of the final product, which could make it less appealing to consumers.
sooo yeah. Not nicotine. It's, once again, these big corporations doing things in the processing of the products we consume, taking short-cuts, flavor boosting at the cost of safety reduction for the consumers. Same with processed foods
Interesting well written BUT Nicotine addiction kills….and it’s an ugly painful way to go - very very very difficult circular habit to stop
Nicotine is not the killer. Doesn't cause cancer. It's the junk in the smoke.
Wrong. Nicotine is the primary carcinogen. The establishment wants you to think its smoke that causes cancer (for various reasons). If you chew it you get mouth cancer.
You sent me down an interesting little rabbit hole (:
what components of chewing tobacco cause cancer?
what are TSNAs?
what nitrosating agents are used?
is it possible to cure tobacco without these nitrosating agents?
sooo yeah. Not nicotine. It's, once again, these big corporations doing things in the processing of the products we consume, taking short-cuts, flavor boosting at the cost of safety reduction for the consumers. Same with processed foods
Interesting...