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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – An annual effort to call attention to discourage the use of smokeless tobacco among youth begins February 14th.

Throughout the week, public health organizations across the country will work to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco. Central Valley Health will be joining the efforts, holding events to counteract tobacco companies marketing that targets youth.

“There’s no such thing as a safe tobacco product,” said Nancy Neary with Central Valley Health District. Smokeless tobacco products cause oral cancer, mouth sores, tooth decay, permanent discoloration of the teeth, and many other health problems. “Despite the false claims made by tobacco companies, smokeless products still cause harm, and are not safe.”

Smokeless tobacco use among North Dakota high school students has decreased since 2013 with only 10.6 percent of students using chewing tobacco, snuff or dip. To learn more, visit www.breathend.com.