Nicotine:
Nicotine is a poisonous and highly addictive drug found in all tobacco products:
smokeless (spit) tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.

Carcinogens:
Many cancer-producing chemicals have been identified in smokeless (spit) tobacco. Nitrosamines are the main carcinogens.

Sweeteners:
Because tobacco has an unpleasant taste, some brands of smokeless tobacco are heavily sweetened with sugars, which promote tooth decay. Flavourings such as mint, licorice or cherry may be added to improve the taste.

Abrasives:
Tobacco leaves contain gritty materials which wear down the surfaces of teeth. These materials also scratch the soft tissues in the mouth, allowing the nicotine and other chemicals to get directly into the blood system.

Salt:
Flavouring salts found in smokeless (spit) tobacco contribute to abnormal blood pressure and kidney disease.

Other Chemicals:
Hundreds of other chemicals can be found in tobacco which contribute to many health problems.