Smokers have a high risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. However, snus can reduce this risk significantly.
Studies show that snus contains lower levels of nitrosamines than tobacco smoke. These are carcinogens that form from the incomplete anaerobic heating of proteins during smoking. Snus is also safer than cigarette smoking for the oral mucosa.
Origins
Originally, snus was sold loose in tins, but the first portion-packed snus was introduced in the 1970s and sales growth has been steady ever since. Today, snus is more widespread than cigarette use in Sweden, and its popularity is growing worldwide.
The history of snus goes back to the 16th century when the French ambassador in Lisbon, Jean Nicot (the father of tobacco plant science), gave some snuff to Queen Catherine de Medici, who used it to alleviate chronic headaches. She was so pleased with the results that she ordered Nicot to bring her more.
A number of epidemiological studies have shown that snus use reduces or eliminates the risk of tobacco-related diseases. The levels of harmful chemicals called nitrosamines in snus are considerably lower than in cigarette smoke. The low level of nitrosamines has been suggested as one explanation for why Swedish men experience the lowest rates of tobacco-related mortality in Europe. Another reason may be the high rate of cessation of cigarette smoking among regular snus users.
Flavors
Unlike cigarettes or other forms of chewing tobacco, snus is steam-pasteurized rather than fire-cured and thus has lower concentrations of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. It is also smoked through the mouth and not inhaled, which makes it less harmful to the user and others. It has been suggested that snus might be more effective than NRT in helping people quit smoking, although this has yet to be proven.
Swedish snus comes in two varieties: loose snus, which is packed into a small pinch with the fingertips or a specially-designed cylindrical device; and portioned snus, which is pre-packed into pouches. Loose snus can be used with a snus crusher, which grinds the snus into smaller particles and provides better flavor release. Portioned snus can be used with snus clips or by placing the snus inside a chew bag, which is then placed under the upper lip.
Siberia has a number of strong nicotine products in the form of pouches and chew bags, including General Extra Strong from Swedish Match and Pablo ICE. The latter is an ultra-strong snus with spearmint flavour in a slim-sized portion that fits discreetly behind the lip.
Strength
GN Tobacco siberia Snus Ice Cold Power Slim White Portion is a slim, white snus pouch with a nicotine content of 24mg/g. This is a very strong snus and not recommended for new users. The snus is drier than other strong snus types and has a lower moisture content, so it will take longer to drip initially.
Unlike cigarettes, snus is not inhaled and does not cause lung damage. It also has lower levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines than other smokeless products.
Despite these health benefits, snus can still have negative side effects. Studies have shown that snus use can increase the risk of oral mucosal lesions, although these usually disappear with cessation of snus usage. In addition, snus can contain high levels of nicotine and can cause addiction. However, snus is generally considered to pose significantly less harm than smoking cigarettes and should be classified as a reduced-risk product (RRP). [104]
Packaging
A traditional Scandinavian smokeless tobacco product with a high nicotine level. Typically used by former smokers, but recently a growing number of non-smokers have started to use it as well.
The snus is delivered in an elegant aluminum can with a unique hockey puck design, which makes it a nice accessory on the go. The can contains between 15 and 17 slim sachet portions filled with a total of 43 mg of nicotine.
Unlike dipping or chewing tobacco, snus is not cured, but instead steam-pasteurized which leads to a lower concentration of harmful chemicals like nitrosamines. The low levels of nitrosamines are due to the snus being manufactured according to the Swedish Food Act and having its own voluntary quality standard called GOTHIATEK.
Snus is primarily consumed by placing the chew bag under the lip and leaving it there for 30 to 120 minutes without spitting. The snus is then discarded like chewing gum. The tingling sensation experienced when using snus is caused by the nicotine itself and some food additives (e.g. sodium carbonate) which make the nicotine more available for absorption through the mucous membrane.