For those unaware of what snus is; snus is a smokeless tobacco product that originated in Sweden and has been used in Europe for many years. The American tobacco companies have now jumped on board and snus is now manufactured in the US. The European Union banned the product in 1992 (exempting Sweden for reason unknown) after a World Health Organization report linked it with cancer. Snus is targeted to people who would like to quit smoking but are still addicted to nicotine. Snus is marketed to smokers as a “healthy” alternative to smoking.
In a society where cigarette smoking is considered by many to be socially unacceptable, it is a viable option for smokers who cannot kick the nicotine addiction. The cancer risk of smoking is much higher than with using snus. Snus is packaged in a tiny teabag-like pouch that users place between their upper lip and gum. Snus is pasteurized and sold in tins that the retailer refrigerates for freshness. Unlike snuff or “chewing tobacco” it does not require the chewing and spitting that people usually associate with smokeless tobacco. Because it can be used so discreetly, snus can be used anywhere at any time without others being aware that a nicotine product is being used.
A growing concern is the number of teens using snus. Because its use can be hidden, it can be found everywhere you find teenagers. Some teens claim to use it everyday. Snus is being used at school, while playing sports, at home, while driving, etc. – all without anyone else (parent, teacher, coach) being aware of the fact. First time snus users report symptoms similar to any first time tobacco user. They feel nauseous, dizzy, some have vomiting. All users get the head rush and alertness associated with tobacco products. Some snus brands add flavorings and design tins so as to increase the appeal to young users. This appeal to young people is what so alarms health care personnel. Most smokers became addicted to nicotine in their early teens. Targeting teen users virtually assures that a new generation will become addicted to nicotine. It has been shown that the earlier a person starts with nicotine, the harder it is to quit. And one thing that we do know for certain is that there is NO safe form of tobacco use. Snus might be the lesser of the evils, but it is by no means safe.
