Introduction
Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that originated in Sweden and is popular in Scandinavian countries. It is placed under the upper lip for extended periods, delivering nicotine to the user without the need for smoking.
Ingredients
Snus is made of ground tobacco, salt, water, and flavorings. Unlike American-style moist snuff, snus undergoes a pasteurization process that lowers the levels of harmful chemicals.
Health Effects
Studies have shown that snus use is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, as it does not produce the harmful by-products of combustion. However, snus is not without risks and can lead to nicotine addiction and other health issues.
Popularity
In Sweden, snus has a long history and enjoys widespread use as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Other countries, such as Norway and Denmark, also have a high prevalence of snus use.
Regulation
The sale and use of snus are banned in the European Union, except for Sweden where it is exempt from the ban. This has led to debates about the potential benefits and risks of wider snus availability.