Today is the Great American Smokeout – the American Cancer Society’s annual push to get smokers to give up their habit – if only for just one day. So is Smokeless Tobacco a safer alternative?

According to an email being sent to many newsrooms, smokeless tobacco is being used in Switzerland to help smokers kick the habit. It goes on to say it’s 98 safer percent than cigarettes. But according to the American Cancer Society – dipping and chewing are deadly. Melissa Peacock is the Patient Services Representative for Southwest Florida.

“43 The amount of nicotine in smokeless tobacco is two or three times the amount delivered by a cigarette. People who dip or chew eight to ten times a day receive the same amount of nicotine as a smoker who smokes 30 to 40 cigs a day.”

The American Cancer Society was behind passage of an amendment in Florida last week requiring the state to spend more money on anti-tobacco programs. It also has a toll free 24-7 number for tobacco users to call for peer counseling – 1-877-yes-quit.

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The American Cancer Society’s annual “Great American Smokeout” is tomorrow – the day smoker’s are urged to give up their habit for a day – and see how it goes. But many younger people – while eschewing cigarettes are taking up smokeless tobacco. And that’s not good. Melissa Peacock is with the American Cancer Society in Southwest Florida.

“its direct absorption in the mouth which cause sores and white patches which often lead to cancers of the mouth – and also increase risk of cancer to tharnyx, larynx and esophagus – not to speak of other social things like chronic bad breath, stained fillings, gum disease – gum recession tooth loss decay.”

Currently about 21 percent of Americans still use tobacco – down from a high of 42 percent in 1966. Recently the number of smokers who’ve quit has leveled off. But help is available. The American Cancer Society’s 24-7 toll free number is 1-877-now-quit.