Snus – A Smokeless Tobacco ProductSnus – A Smokeless Tobacco Product
Hey Snus is a moist oral tobacco product that users place behind the upper lip either loose or in portioned sachets which resemble miniature tea bags. Air-cured tobacco is ground, mixed with salt and water under strict quality and regulatory controls and packaged in the sachets. The sachets are sealed to prevent contamination during storage and transport. Snus is a different product to other smokeless tobacco products and is regulated in many countries. For detailed information on regulation at country level see the Bath TCRG’s searchable database of Tobacco Control Laws.
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The available evidence demonstrates that snus poses less risk to health than cigarette smoking and, in contrast with cigars, does not expose the user to toxic substances such as tar and carcinogens from the combustion of cigarette tobacco. The harm reduction benefit conferred by snus use is reflected in national statistics showing that in Sweden daily cigarette smoking rates have been declining whilst daily snus use has been increasing. The same trend has been observed in Norway. The so-called ‘Swedish experience’ is now being replicated across Europe. Eurobarometer data from 2017 reported that cigarette smoking prevalence was 5% in Sweden and 12% used daily oral tobacco (Fig. 1; taken from [7]).
There is only limited epidemiological data relating to the effects of snus. However, two studies from the Swedish construction workers cohort showed an increased risk of oral mucosal lesions with regular snus use compared to non-use. The risk was not reduced after adjustment for age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and dental hygiene. Other studies have reported a more variable picture of the risk of snus-related health effects.