Iqmik: a form of smokeless tobacco used among Alaska natives.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a homemade form of smokeless tobacco known as Iqmik used among Alaska Natives residing in western Alaska.


METHODS
Individual and small-group interviews were conducted with 23 adult Alaska Natives. The major themes from the interview data were summarized. A chemical analysis was conducted of the alkalinity of a sample of fungus ash used to prepare Iqmik.


RESULTS
Few adverse health effects of using Iqmik were reported. The alkalinity of the sample of fungus ash was high (pH=10.9).


CONCLUSIONS
The high alkalinity of Iqmik may contribute to the higher rates of tobacco use in this population.
Renner
Caroline C
CC
Office of Alaska Native Health Research, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. ccrenner@anmc.org
Enoch
Carrie
C
Patten
Christi A
CA
Ebbert
Jon O
JO
Hurt
Richard D
RD
Moyer
Thomas P
TP
Provost
Ellen M
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000413:Alaska; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry