From the Guidelines
Swedish Snus Safety Concerns
Swedish snus is not safe due to its potential health risks.
- It contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and other harmful chemicals, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which have been linked to increased risk of oral and pancreatic cancer 1, 2, 3.
- The typical nicotine dose in Swedish snus ranges from 4-14 milligrams per gram, with users often consuming 1-2 grams per day, resulting in a daily nicotine intake of 4-28 milligrams, which can lead to nicotine dependence and other adverse health effects.
- Smokeless tobacco products, such as Swedish snus, pose an increased risk for CVD and oral cancer 1.
- A study using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register found that the risk of stillbirth was increased for mothers who were snus users (adjusted OR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.02–1.99]) 4.
- The evidence regarding the effect of Swedish snus on diabetes is not as clear as that for combustible cigarettes, but it is known that tobacco use is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
- Individuals with diabetes should be advised to avoid using Swedish snus, as well as other tobacco products, due to the potential health risks 1.
From the Research
Health Risks Associated with Swedish Snus
- Swedish snus has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with a relative risk of 2.0 compared to never-users of any tobacco 5
- There is no clear evidence of an increased risk of oral or lung cancer associated with Swedish snus use 5
- Exclusive use of Swedish snus has been linked to an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and rectum, as well as increased mortality after a cancer diagnosis 6
- Swedish snus contains carcinogenic nitrosamines and is addictive due to its nicotine content, which can have negative effects on oral health 7
Comparison to Other Tobacco Products
- Swedish snus is considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, with lower concentrations of some harmful chemicals 8
- Compared to cigarette smoking, use of Swedish snus is associated with significantly fewer health risks 9
- Nicotine pouches, a tobacco-free alternative to snus, have been shown to have lower levels of toxic compounds than Swedish snus 9
Effects on Public Health
- The availability of Swedish snus in Sweden has contributed to the low rates of smoking among Swedish men, with many male ex-smokers using snus as a quitting aid 8
- Rates of lung cancer and myocardial infarction have dropped significantly faster among Swedish men than women, possibly due to the use of snus as a less harmful alternative to smoking 8