Snus Smokeless Tobacco: What is it?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD
Some recent reports on the health effects of snus in Sweden can be found via the following links: http://sph.umdnj.edu/news/index.cfm?newsID=168
http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/pubs/brochure.aspx?e=234
The main characteristics of Swedish snus are that (a) it is an oral tobacco product that has relatively low levels of various toxins, as compared with traditional US smokeless products and (b) it delivers moderately high levels of nicotine to the user.
A recent study by researchers at University of Minnesotta found that Camel snus had levels of carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines that were much lower than for traditional smokeless products (I.e less than 2 micrograms per gram for Camel Snus, versus 8 for Copenhagen and 12 for Kodiak). Levels of other carcinogens were also lower in Camel and other snus products than other tradional smokeless products. For example, while the new snus products had levels of benzo(a)pyrene of around 3 micrograms/gram, tradional smokeless tobacco products all had levels above 30, and Kodiak Wintergreen had a level of 57.
Camel snus is marketed in metal tins kept refrigerated in stores. Each tin contains 15 small sachets which look a bit like small tea bags, each containing flavored tobacco. When placed under the top lip for about 30 minutes the snus releases nicotine which is absorbed into the blood stream. It is unclear whether the current snus products being marketed in the US deliver enough nicotine to satisfy cravings for a cigarette and potentially help smokers quit. The evidence from Sweden is clear that a large number of Swedish men have successfully quit smoking by switching to snus.
It remains to be seen how the product will be received in the United States. If you want to give up smoking and may need some pharmacological support, it makes much more sense to use FDA approved medicines than to use unproven products that contain carcinogens (albeit in small quantities). However, if you want to continue to enjoy tobacco but want to use a less harmful product, then switching from cigarettes to snus makes sense - but only if accompanied by cessation of smoking.
You can find out more about snus and other potentially less harmful tobacco products at: http://tobaccoproducts.org/index.php/Camel_Snus
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has tried any of these new types of tobacco product.
Labels: camel snus, jonathan foulds, smokeless tobacco, smoking cessation
25 Comments:
At Thu Jan 15, 11:23:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I started out smoking about 15 years ago. then gradually started to dip "grizzly". I often found myself spitting out a dip just to go and light up a smoke, or visa-versa. i bought my first can of camel snus 1 week ago and i have no problems not smoking. the snus delivers enough nicotene to keep my cravings down, and I also find myself using less pouches then i would pinch a dip. i think its because the flavor of the snus lasts so long that i dont realize when the nicotene stops, so i just keep enjoying the flavor like a piece of candy was in my mouth. hope this helps you, if it even makes sence..
At Tue Jan 27, 05:16:00 PM 2009,
jgogek said…
Using smokeless tobacco does not help smokers quit. At least, not in the United States, according to research from UC San Diego.
Earlier research in Sweden has suggested otherwise. But, a study just released by the University of California, San Diego and Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet showed that there are important differences between the United States and Sweden about how people use—and quit—tobacco. The study is published in Tobacco Control.
In Sweden, many smokers quit smoking by switching to smokeless tobacco. But researchers didn’t find a similar effect among U.S. smokers. This is important because there has been a vigorous debate in the international public health community about whether tobacco control programs should stop advocating complete tobacco cessation and start promoting smokeless tobacco as a less-harmful alternative to smoking.
Over a one-year period, the UC San Diego study tracked quit rates, and the rates of switching from one form of tobacco to another, of more than 15,000 adult participants. It showed that:
• Among U.S. men, less than 1 percent of current smokers switched to smokeless tobacco during the 12 month study.
• Only 1.7 percent of former smokers turned to smokeless tobacco.
• Men’s quit rate for smokeless tobacco was three times higher than for cigarettes.
The Swedish data showed just the opposite: Swede smokers are more likely to switch to smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco users in Sweden are less likely to quit.
It looks like the Swedish experience with smokeless tobacco and quitting smoking is unique to Sweden.
http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/health/01-09SmokelessTobacco.asp
At Sat Jan 31, 06:24:00 PM 2009,
Deepak said…
Nicotine stimulates the release of the hormone epinephrine, which further stimulates the nervous system and is responsible for part of the "kick" from nicotine.Nicotine promotes the release of the hormone beta-endorphin, which inhibits pain.
In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke is primarily composed of a dozen gases (mainly carbon monoxide) and tar. The tar in a cigarette, which varies from about 15 mg for a regular cigarette to 7 mg in a low-tar cigarette, exposed the user to an increased risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders.
At Tue Feb 03, 08:33:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I am amazed. I have smoked for 7 years, and failed many times to quit, I got a free promotional can of Snus with my last Cigarette purchase, and Have not had a cigarette in 4 days after finishing the pack. I agree with the first poster, It may only deliver nicotine for 30 mins, but the flavor lasts longer so I find myself consuming only about 4-5 a day. Thats 5 bucks every three days where I live, compared to 12 bucks smoking.
At Thu Feb 05, 07:20:00 AM 2009,
Dingman, MPH said…
I just read that the EU banned the sale of SNUS, what is your take on that?
At Mon Feb 09, 01:01:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I agree with the author of the last post, snus has helped me quit smoking, which is an incredible accomplishment due to everything I tried to stop. People who have never smoke and who blame smokers for their own problems really need to chill. Most smokers started due to a bad day/week/event, or just out of curiosity. Snus has helped me significantly, and although I know it still isn't getting rid of the nicotine completely it does improve over all quality of life. I can run, exercise and perform everyday tasks with it and it eliminates the weezing and lack of breath associated with smoking. I'm very curious to see how the American public takes to Snus, as well as its' future.
At Mon Feb 16, 04:35:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
i've been a pack a day smoker for about 15 years. i've been using both swedish snus and camel snus for about 2 weeks now. although i haven't quit smoking entirely, i have gone days without cigarettes, and have gone through only about 3 packs in the 2 weeks. the most difficult things are the morning smoke, the after meal smoke, and the commute smokes. those require work.
At Tue Mar 03, 12:55:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
Tryed it nothing amzaing ive done dip and have never touched a cigg in my life. All i felt was the flavor and i put it down and walked away i would say do snus if u want but if your dumb and wana feel good pack a lip of skoal or cope everyone has there own right to choose
At Thu Mar 19, 11:52:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I smoked for over 20 years and switched to primarily vanilla skoal for about another 7 or so. I bought Camel Snus on an impulse buy. I'm sure glad I did. The flavor lasts longer and not having to spit is a godsend. At first I was disappointed at the size of the Snus but after trying once I saw how powerful the taste was and got over it. After being impressed with it I will start buying Swedish or Camel Snus online.
At Wed Apr 01, 09:45:00 AM 2009,
Anonymous said…
been smoking for over 40 years 2-3 packs aday have been smoke free for a month due to using camel snus frost flavor they last 1-2 hours have tried other products to quit from time to time first time i have ever not smoked smoke still smells good but no desire to light up again
At Thu Apr 09, 04:13:00 PM 2009,
Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…
Deirdre Dingman asked why snus is banned in the European Union. This ban took place in the early 90s prior to Sweden joining the EU. At that point smokeless was not used much in any EU country and there was a felt wiser to stop it getting started. When Sweden joined the EU they were allowed an exception. Now Sweden has amongst the lowest male smoking, and lung cancer rates in the EU. A paper found at this link explains the situation and recommends a policy change in more detail:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=14660767
At Mon May 18, 02:53:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I just bought some snus because they were out of copenhagen pouches, the flavor is sweet, so I am not sure I like it. I'm sure it is less harmful, but only time will tell if I can handle the sweetness. Does it have sugar? Beer tastes bad with it.
At Tue May 19, 10:32:00 PM 2009,
Tangless said…
I am 22 years old and have been a pack a day smoker for about 2 years. Picked up a can of snus because it was camel brand (I smoked camels) and figured it was worth a shot to see if I simply enjoyed it. After using it in conjuction with cigarettes for a few days I found myself enjoying the snus much more than the cig, and yesterday without realizing it went my entire work day without a smoke break.
Although its not a perfect replacement I can most definatly say that I'm sold. Its potent enough to satify your cravings, but light enough you can swallow the residue, its amazing really.
tastes great, lasts a long time, and insidently is safer. Cant wait to try some real sweedish snus.
At Wed May 20, 06:22:00 AM 2009,
Euphony said…
in reference to the ban mentioned in the EU on snus and other smokeless products, from what i read, while most of the EU are banned, norway and sweden were grandfathered in due to their high amount of use and production. the ban seemed to take place after US based US Smokeless Tobacco - marketed under Skoal and Copenhagen - tried to move into the EU market. Due to the significantly higher amount of carcinogens introduced by such US based brands, they banned all smokeless tobacco.
I myself have tried Camel Snus and thoroughly enjoy it. I only smoke on occasion (i always have been just a social type smoker) and i have tried other US Smokeless products and cant stand them. Camel did a supurb job luring me in and i am happy to find a product i can use that doesnt have me feeling (or even concerned about) serious health side effects.
At Wed May 20, 03:29:00 PM 2009,
DaveLoyall said…
I'm a regular smoker; I tried the Camel Snus product a few minutes ago. I don't like it as much as smoking.. it gave me hiccups! I might use it occasionally, though, since there are promotional prices right now, and it might be suitable for use in non-smoking environments, if I'm sneaky. It should be noted that I'm more afraid of mouth cancer than lung cancer--I don't know why.
At Thu May 21, 08:43:00 AM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I have been using Swedish snus for quite a while now and it helped me to stop my 20 year long habit of smoking. I haven't had a cigarette since I started with snus. I was happy to see Camel Snus. I tried it and found it to be horrible compared to Swedish snus. Just like the American Tobacco companies to ruin a perfectly great product.
At Thu May 28, 05:37:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I have been a smoker for 13 years, started when I was 13. Some days I will smoke 1-1.5 packs and some days just 2-4 smokes; it depends on what I am doing and who I am around. However, I dip half a can a day for the last few years.
Three days ago I saw an add for snus and thought I would try it. I am sure glad I did. Today I was on a 1.5 hour drive. When I am driving I smoke a lot. But today while driving,instead of lighting up a Camel non-filter or Lucky Strike(my brands of choice)I used two pouches of snus at the same time and they lasted me the entire 1.5 hours. I have almost no desire to smoke anymore except for socially or when I am working in the yard or washing my cars.
I made a deal with myself years ago that I would not smoke after I got married. So now I know I can keep my promise to myself in a few months when my fiance finishes law school and we get married.
Every smoker or smokeless tobacco user owes it to themselves to try a few can of snus. It could just end up saving your life and its a lot cheaper too.
At Wed Jun 03, 02:29:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I use the camel snus and it's great. I don't stink like cigerettes and no spitting required. I only smoke a half a pack a day and this has compensated nicely. Not having to spit is great because I don't have to take it out to eat or drink. No one even notices I have it in, so I can do it anywhere!
At Mon Jun 08, 09:43:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
my experience with snus has been a good one thus far. I have tried cold turkey several times...nope. I tried the patch...nope again. I have tried the gum and found it lost its effectiveness within a week. I continued smoking while using the gum. When i have a pouch of snus under my upper lip i forget about the cigarettes. i have been smoking for thirty years. i still have up to 5 cigarettes a day, but it is only first thing in the morning and maybe with a beer or two at night. in between i use up to 10 pouches. The savings alone is great. I do still weeze. when i tried to quit the cigs all together i had a headache for a solid week. but it is still so much better than where i was. my breathing has quite less of a wheeze to it. maybe one day i will quit the cigs all together, but am happy with the simple improvement for now.
At Thu Jun 11, 09:49:00 AM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I am a 34-year-old female who has smoked for 21 years...bout a pack a day. I tried to quit using the nicotine gum and lozenges, but everytime I would drink alcohol, it just wasn't enough. I am a bartender, so I am around alcohol and smoke all the time. I knew it would be hard to stop considering my job, but I tried anyway. I bought Camel Snus because I heard it wasn't noticeable and you didn't have to spit.(I have to be cute to get tips, you know...spitting with a big dip in your mouth isn't very sexy!) I use it twice a day...That's all I need.(unless it's Friday night and I'm drinking beer, then I'll use more) I haven't smoked for three weeks. I think it's great, and I tell people about it all the time. I plan to stop using it also, but for now, I'm just working on quitting the habit of lighting up. I'll deal with the nicotine addiction after I've beaten the habit. It's working great for me, and I feel like a million bucks.
At Thu Jun 11, 11:18:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I bought a can today and its okay i still think i like dip better. and it is a really small portion i can get so many more pinches out of a can of dip it sucks actually.
At Fri Jun 12, 07:33:00 PM 2009,
flynnd said…
I was a smoker some 23 years ago or so and to quit smoking, I started dipping. It did result in my quitting smoking but created a very powerful dipping addiction to Skoal mint dip. I tried Snus for the first time this week. I greatly enjoy my Skoal and couldn't imagine that something called Snus would give my dip a run for its money....but it has happened. I bought Snus frost and found it to be better than I hoped. I am now given Snus a two day run and found that I didn't even want my regular Skoal dip. I have read the articles about it being "healthier" than regular smokeless tobacco and that point is weighing heavy in my decision to switch to it full time. My only big concern with the switch is Snus will not take off in the US and become hard to find or unavailable in really small towns like where I live. The flavor is powerful and very good...the nicotine level works great for me.
At Fri Jun 12, 09:11:00 PM 2009,
Beth said…
I have smoked for over 20 years and have tried patches, gum, and pills to quit. I received a free tin of Camel Snus mellow with a pack of smokes. I didn't quite know what to expect but glad I tried it. I have been smoke free for 3 months. Just started 2 days of being nicotine free. I suggest to try it. Why not? we already put heavy toxins in our bodies already by smoking.
At Mon Jun 15, 10:35:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
I use snus roughly once a day. Previously, I had used dip or other smokeless tobacco products. There is a difference between snus and dip primarily in the way that they are made. It is my understanding that snus is steam-cured, which produces significantly fewer carcinogens than dip (which is fire-cured). Additionally, it is less harsh on your mouth and more pleasant to use.
I have used camel snus, but it is far too sweet for me. I worry about the amount of sugar as far as cavities go.. Anyway, if you don't like the overwhelming sweetness of camel snus, I'd recommend switching to the significantly lighter flavoured swedish snus brands. In my opinion, they have a much nicer, more refined flavor and do not interfere with the beverages you may be drinking.
At Fri Jun 19, 07:47:00 PM 2009,
Anonymous said…
Snus is great.. I too got a promotional tin with purchase of a pack of cigarettes. I swear its better than a nicotine patch. I can use it at work and no one knows. Personally, I think I could give up cigarettes for good. My smoking has gone way down. I used to smoke two packs a day, now I'm down to just a few.
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