• 10/11/2006
  • Australia
  • staff
  • The Australian (www.theaustralian.news.com.au)

NASAL snuff and chewing tobacco will be banned under new legislation introduced in Queensland parliament.

Smokeless tobacco products are addictive and can lead to nicotine dependence with users suffering cravings when they try to quit, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said.

“It is a common misconception that smokeless tobacco products are a healthy alternative to cigarettes,” he said.

“The reality is they are just as bad for your health as cigarettes.”

Mr Robertson said using the smokeless tobacco products was also a risk factor for oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer, non-malignant oral diseases and cardiovascular disease.

It was not known if snuff (powdered tobacco) and chewing tobacco were already being sold in the state, but Queensland Health had received inquiries from retailers interested in doing so.

Mr Robertson said the new laws were among a range of health portfolio changes included in the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2006.