Fire Fighters & First Responders At-Risk, Insurance Denials?

Recent reports of free samples of commercial smokeless tobacco products to firefighters have been documented in CA. The companies giving out these products tout a boost of energy and better ability to focus, but what about health, finances, insurance, and disability benefits? Nicotine addiction is expensive, sometimes lifelong, and can lead to many health-related costs. Insurance companies could potentially deny claims if previously disclosed, "non-tobacco users" become nicotine dependent. It is a long tradition for commercial nicotine use to be falsely claimed as stress relief for people in perilous careers and socioeconomically stressed populations. Just as there once were cigarettes packed into MREs (meals ready to eat) in our military's meals while they were at war, now California's fire battalions are being served up another nicotine addiction via smokeless tobacco.

Reference Articles & Video: Newsweek Article Free Smokeless Tobacco Products to Firefighters in SoCal; Wall Street Journal Informational Video On Zyn; Article Workers' Comp Cancer Claims Denials For Firefighters