Major League Baseball recently wrapped up its new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the player's union and, in one of the more controversial decisions, banned the use of smokeless tobacco in all MLB facilities. Chewing tobacco has long been associated with the culture of baseball, but the new regulations are the latest in a concerted campaign to discourage its use among young players (and fans).
Countless scientific studies have concluded that smokeless tobacco - including sniff and snus - can cause cancer and other health problems. Add this to the list: New research has established a definite link between smokeless tobacco and opportunistic bacterial infections that can cause all manner of truly nasty illnesses. Clearly, tobacco is just a bad habit all around. Jules Suzdaltsev has the details in today's DNews dispatch.
Seeker: Want to Stop Smoking? Just Do It!
Mayo Clinic: Chewing tobacco: Not a safe product
EurekAlert: Bacteria in smokeless tobacco products may be a health concern