Robert Preidt

In the following viewpoint Robert Preidt maintains that people who consider smokeless (spit) tobacco less harmful than cigarettes are dangerously misinformed. He argues that spit tobacco causes cavities, gum disease, and cancer. Further, spit tobacco users get four times as much nicotine in one dip of tobacco as smokers get in one cigarette. Thus, spit tobacco users become addicted much faster. Preidt argues that young people are attracted to the habit because sports figures often use spit tobacco. Experts estimate that as many as 20 percent of high school boys are regular users. Robert Preidt is a reporter for HealthScout.com, a consumer health Web site.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, how many Americans use spit tobacco?
2. Why does spit tobacco contain silica, in Preidt’s opinion...