What Is Snus and Its Effects: Comprehensive 2025 Update | Știrinoi.com
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
On Știrinoi.com, we explore snus—a concentrated form of oral tobacco gaining traction beyond Scandinavia. This editorial-style analysis explains what snus is, usage methods, health effects.
1. What Is Snus?
Snus, originating in Sweden, is a pasteurized moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip. It comes in pouch (portion) and loose forms Pasteurization reduces carcinogen nitrosamines compared to fermented tobacco .Nicotine content ranges from 11–14 mg (standard) to over 40 mg in “extremely strong” varieties .
2. How It’s Used
Users insert snus under the upper lip for 30–120 minutes. Nicotine absorbs through oral mucosa without the need for spitting en.wikipedia.org+1verywellhealth.com+1.
3. Claimed Benefits & Harm Reduction
Some authorities (FDA, scientific reviews) suggest snus may carry lower health risks than cigarettes for certain conditions tobaccoatlas.org+15verywellhealth.com+15healthline.com+15. Sweden shows low smoking prevalence (~5%), with snus linked to reduced tobacco-related mortality harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com.
4. Health Risks
Cancer: Mixed evidence; possible increased risk of esophageal, pancreatic, or gastric cancer; weaker links to oral cancer .
Cardiovascular disease: Likely raises blood pressure, stroke, myocardial infarction risk, and post-event mortality .
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome: Heavy use (≥4 cans weekly) likely increases type 2 diabetes risk
Oral/sreproductive harm: Mucoosal lesions, gum issues, low birth weight/prematurity risk .
Nicotine addiction: High doses (up to 150 mg per pouch) make it highly addictive
5. Popularity & Regulation
In Sweden and Norway, snus use is prevalent; Sweden has an EU exemption
In most EU countries, commercial sale is banned—though personal import up to 500 g is allowed
Moldova lacks local production; imports happen through grey markets; youth experimentation is under 5%
6. Interesting Facts
Around 20% of Premier League footballers reportedly use snus for focus/calming, prompting calls for a sports ban
EU travelers may carry up to 500g—about 30 cans—duty-free
In Chișinău, only ~5% of adolescents have tried snus—lower interest compared to other nicotine products
7. Perspectives & Debate
Harm reduction advocates argue snus is a safer alternative to smoking
Critics warn it fosters dual-use and addiction rather than smoking cessation .
Public health agencies highlight youth targeting and potency of illicit products via online channels
Conclusion
Snus presents lower risks compared to combustible tobacco, yet poses significant health threats: cancer, cardiovascular disease, addiction, harm to vulnerable groups.
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