Potential Health Risks of Snus: A Popular Tobacco Alternative

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.08.2024
Potential Health Risks of Snus: A Popular Tobacco Alternative
Snus, a popular tobacco alternative, is facing health concerns as experts warn of potential risks.

According to a recent report by LadBible, an alternative product called Snus (a tobacco-filled pouch) is gaining popularity, but experts are warning of potential health risks associated with this product. For those unfamiliar with this term, Snus is essentially a tobacco product that resembles small tea bags.

 

Snus, originating from Northern Europe, has been widely popular there and has actually become the most common type of tobacco product in Norway. It is also gaining increasing popularity among young people. However, in all European Union countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, Snus is even illegal.

 

This small tobacco pouch is placed under a person's lip for approximately thirty minutes, often likened to a disposable tea bag. However, due to its nicotine content, Snus can be addictive.

 

Toxicology management consultant Libby Clarke has informed the media that the absorption of nicotine through oral products is slower compared to smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes, suggesting that their potential for addiction may be lower.

 

However, a London dentist has warned on social media that using Snus by placing it on the gums may cause harm to the mouth, leading to gum disease and gingivitis, and possibly even pre-cancerous conditions. Currently, there is not a lot of data on the safety of Snus, but in theory, this product should be better than cigarettes, although it still poses health risks.

 

Pharmacist Ian Budd added that due to the presence of nicotine, Snus is considered an addictive substance, which is what initially leads to smoking addiction. Certain studies have indicated a potential correlation between Snus usage and higher rates of pancreatic cancer, heart failure, and diabetes, although research on this matter is still ongoing.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Philip Morris International (PMI) has officially introduced the VEEV One Plus, the next-generation device in its closed-pod vaping lineup. The product is now featured on the official VEEV website in Portugal, bringing hardware upgrades including a new dual-pod storage system, a larger battery, and an updated device design while maintaining compatibility with existing VEEV One pods.
Jul.02
Russia Adds Vapes to “Strategic Goods” List, Illegal Cross-Border Trade Faces Up to Five Years in Prison
Russia Adds Vapes to “Strategic Goods” List, Illegal Cross-Border Trade Faces Up to Five Years in Prison
Russia will place e-cigarettes and related nicotine products under its “strategic goods” framework from August 20, 2026. According to TVP World’s report published on August 19, the newly listed items include e-cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, vape liquids and nicotine salts. Individuals who illegally move these products across Russia’s customs border or its state border with other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members could face up to five years in prison if shipment values exceed 100,000 rubles (about €1,000), provided all elements of a criminal offence are established.
Aug.20
JAMA Issues First U.S. Clinical Guidance on Vaping for Smoking Cessation, Urging Complete Switch From Cigarettes
JAMA Issues First U.S. Clinical Guidance on Vaping for Smoking Cessation, Urging Complete Switch From Cigarettes
JAMA has published a Special Communication offering systematic recommendations for U.S.-based clinicians on the use of nicotine e-cigarettes in adult smoking cessation. Developed by the Harm Reduction Workgroup of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s Treatment Research Network, the paper recommends including e-cigarettes alongside FDA-approved cessation medications in risk-benefit discussions. It cites high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes achieve higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy and evidence suggesting efficacy comparable to highly effective medications such as varenicline and cytisine. For adults who choose vaping to quit, the authors recommend FDA-authorized products, sufficient nicotine delivery and a rapid, complete transition away from cigarettes rather than prolonged dual use.
Aug.13
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.
Aug.10
Supreme Vape Revenue Rises 15% Despite UK Disposable Vape Ban
Supreme Vape Revenue Rises 15% Despite UK Disposable Vape Ban
UK consumer goods group Supreme said its vaping revenue rose 15% to £148.1 million in the year to March 31, 2026, despite the UK disposable vape ban taking effect during the period, while the company identified the Vaping Products Duty due in October as the next major industry milestone.
Regulations
Jul.03 by 2Firsts Perspectives
FDA Authorizes Four More Nicotine Pouches as Review Pilot Expands Beyond Initial Decisions
FDA Authorizes Four More Nicotine Pouches as Review Pilot Expands Beyond Initial Decisions
The FDA has authorized four additional on! nicotine pouches, bringing the U.S. total to 30. The decision marks another outcome of the agency’s nicotine pouch review pilot, whose communication and review practices are now being applied more broadly across the category. It also extends Helix’s authorized portfolio from on! PLUS to the earlier on! line. Yet all FDA-authorized nicotine pouches still come from subsidiaries of PMI or Altria, underscoring how concentrated U.S. regulatory access remains.
Aug.05