Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY -- Health departments in Utah are issuing a warning about an alternative to common tobacco products. Officials say tobacco companies are beginning to market nicotine candy and fear people don't understand what they are using.
Though the products look like gum or candy, they carry a punch of nicotine. And don't be confused: They aren't products to help you stop smoking. Health officials say they are meant to deliver a fast dose of nicotine for someone looking for a quick fix.
| Dissolves in about | Mg of Nicotine | |
|---|---|---|
| Orbs | 10-15 minutes | 1.0 |
| Strips | 2-3 minutes | 0.6 |
| Sticks | 20-25 minutes | 3.1 |
| Snus | doesn't dissolve | 6-8 |
"Tobacco companies spend nearly $60 million a year here in Utah on their marketing, and they are eager for new customers to replace those who die each year from their deadly products. Products such as the ones we see here today show they are not relaxing their efforts, and neither can we," says Kathy Baebler, health educator with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.
| 1 yr old Mild/Moderate | 1 yr old Severe/death | 4 yr old Mild/Moderate | 4 yr old Severe/Death | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbs | 8-14 | 10-17 | 13-21 | 16-27 |
| Strips | 14 | 17 | 21 | 27 |
| Sticks | 3 | 3-4 | 4 | 5 |
Officials hope that parents will talk to their children about the dangers of these nicotine products and warn them that just because it comes in a cool looking package, it is still unhealthy.
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Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod and Becky Bruce.
