Controversial 'Snus' Tobacco Being Tested In DFW

Source from:  cbs11tv.com Aug 14, 2007  08/16/2007

DALLAS Smokeless tobacco has been on the market for decades, but now a unique smokeless pouch is being tested in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The product is called 'snus' and, unlike chew or dip, the makers claim it's a spit less tobacco. With snus you simply take one of the pre-measured pouches of product and place it between your cheek and gum. In Dallas, the law is simple - no smoking in restaurants. Now the new Philip Morris product will help tobacco users get around that. The tobacco makers claim that the smoking public needs options. "This is a smokeless tobacco product. It's designed for adult tobacco users who are looking for an alternative," said David Sutton, Philip Morris USA. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the only test market in the country. Starting this week snus will be available in many local convenience stores. But critics are warning the public not to be fooled by the words smokeless and spit less. Edward Rosentel, with the American Lung Association, says, "There is no safe tobacco product. This product is just another ploy be the tobacco industry." Critics say the new tobacco pouches pose the same serious health dangers as chewing tobacco and cigarettes. "Here in Texas, we've been very aggressive at passing smoke-free ordinances," says Rosentel. "I believe the tobacco industry is making a counter play in order to bring this kind of product, so they can bypass these ordinances." Philip Morris acknowledges the health dangers and says it makes no claims that snus comes with reduced health risks. The warning on every box of snus is the same federal health warning found on cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Enditem