I have only had the Swedish snus that I imported myself. By law it is only supposed to have tobacco, water, salt (and in some cases natural flavors). I am sure the Americans have loused that up somehow though.
I haven't been smoking anything because my dealer has switched over from selling weed to mostly baked goods. I have been eating lots of cookies.
Knitting needles on the bus aren't such a big risk considering all the other shit that is going on. I would wager that parents pushing around SUV sized strollers through the bus and subway system are responsible for more injuries then anyone knitting.
For more see
TTC (Toronto transit) knit along.
I find the notion of competitive knitting a bit silly but then again I am really good at Street Fighter games...