A snus product is a moist oral tobacco that can be placed behind the upper lip in loose form or in sachets which resemble miniature tea bags. It is made from air-cured tobacco, mixed with salt and water and processed under strict quality and regulatory controls, including pasteurisation, making it distinctly different from other smokeless products. This process reduces the levels of harmful chemicals and significantly decreases the carcinogenic potential of snus.
The health impacts of snus use are very different from those associated with smoking, primarily because it does not involve combustion. As such, hey snus is free of the toxic substances that are formed during smoking, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Additionally, snus does not contain any of the carcinogenic components found in cigarette smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nicotine-specific nitrosamines.
A number of studies have reported a reduced risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer associated with snus use. Specifically, snus has been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and an overall reduction in death from all causes compared to smokers.
In terms of cancer, snus has been linked with a reduction in the risk of mouth, laryngeal and oesophageal cancers. It has also been found to improve systolic blood pressure and glycaemic control in those who have used it for more than a decade.
Although snus does not cause oral cancer, it can lead to other health issues such as gingivitis and periodontal gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can progress to more serious conditions, such as stomatitis and periodontitis, which can damage the teeth and the tissues surrounding them. The use of snus can also increase the risk of oral mucosal lesions opportunistic infections and has been associated with increased salivary secretion, which can make the mouth more dry.
Snus is available globally, and its popularity is on the rise. In fact, it is the third most popular tobacco product worldwide after cigarettes and chewing tobacco. It is available in several forms and can be purchased in most countries, where it is legal to do so. In addition to its main ingredient – nicotine – snus can also be sold without it nicotine-free sachets.
As well as helping with addiction and withdrawal symptoms, snus can help to reduce cravings for other tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, and has been shown to be an effective tool in achieving smoking cessation. The PFA will be conducting a series of workshops, starting this summer, to raise awareness of the potential risks and help players to consider alternative nicotine sources. This project is funded by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, a US non profit 501c3 independent global organization. Our funding does not influence the content of this website, which is editorially independent from the Foundation. To learn more about the availability, legal status and harm reduction opportunities for snus around the world, click on the country quick links in the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction database.