Snus, the Swedish Snuff, Invades US

Cigarette smoking is being banned around the world. But just when anti-tobacco activists thought they had finally gotten rid of tobacco, new foes begin to emerge, waterpipes and now snus.

What is snus, you say. It's Swedish for snuff. Snuff is a finely ground tobacco. It is being marketed by US tobacco companies (under familiar names like Camel and Marlboro) as a cigarette replacement. And it's beginning to find an audience.

Snus pouches remind me of a small tea bag, except it is filled with tobacco instead of tea. It placed under the lip and "sucked." But unlike other forms of snuff, it is a not messy and does not require a spittoon or spitting. You don't chew it like chewing tobacco either.

Because it is a smokeless tobacco, it can be used in the public places and areas where smoking has been outlawed. These areas include restaurants, clubs, workplaces and airplanes.

Health risks. Snus carries the same health risks as other snuffs: mouth and throat problems that may lead to cancer and it increases the chance of heart disease and stroke. But it does not cause lung cancer linked to smoking tobacco. And it is still addictive!

In 1992 snus was banned by the European Union (EU) because of the fear that it would be marketed to children.

Like this site? Tell a friend and bookmark (CTRL-D) us. And by all means kick the smoking habit!

Phone, email and in person smoking cessation support is available to help you quit. And don't forget about Smoke-Free, the book.

© Copyright by Arthur A. Hawkins II. All rights reserved.