Major League Baseball Scores on Smokeless Tobacco Agreement, Says American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown

November 22, 2011

“The American Heart Association is pleased that baseball players recognize the dangers of smokeless tobacco use and will now take steps to reduce its visibility during and after games and other public events, and educate young people about its dangers.

While today’s Major League Baseball agreement on smokeless tobacco is not a grand slam, it is definitely a solid base hit. Although the players would not agree to stop using tobacco while on the field, the contract provisions are an important step forward.

Children who emulate their favorite players by using smokeless tobacco risk falling into a trap that can lead to a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Evidence shows that kids who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

Baseball is the nation’s pastime, and Americans cherish this great game and its time-honored traditions. But in the case of smokeless tobacco, there are clear indications that tradition leads to undesired health consequences, including oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.”

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Retha Sherrod
retha.sherrod@heart.org

http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/major-league-baseball-scores-on-219522.aspx