Swedish Snus and the Health
There is a certain link between lung cancer and tobacco using. Although Sweden is similar to the rest of Europe when it comes to tobacco consumption, there are a lot less cases of lung cancer among Swedish people then in the rest of Europe. The reason behind this is what the Swedish call snus, and the rest of the world knows as Swedish snus.
Swedish snus is a type of tobacco that is placed under the lower lip, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed by the body. As it is not inhaled, it does not affect the lungs; however, there are concerns that it may cause gum cancer. But as these are still just speculation, the fact remains that fewer Swedish die of lung cancer than anywhere else in Europe.
However, Swedish snus is mostly used by males. This, together with the effect snus has on human health has lead specialists to talk about “the Swedish experience”. Snus has caused tobacco use to have a unique pattern in Sweden. The tobacco consumption is very similar to that from the rest of Europe; however, the great majority of men prefer snus instead of smoking, reducing the cases of lung cancer. Women, however, only use it to a limited extent, with most of them sticking to traditional smoking. Although Swedish snus is as popular as smoking, women hardly ever use it, and the percent of Swedish women getting lung cancer is as high as everywhere else in Europe.
As the figures speak for themselves, it seems that smokeless tobacco consumption makes the difference between males and females. With more users progressing from smoking to snus than the other way around, this can only be a positive thing. More over, snus can be used in places where smoking is prohibited; and with more and more public places banning smoking there is even expected an increase in the use of smokeless tobacco. This can only mean one thing: even fewer cases of lung cancer.
Although studies have shown the benefits of Swedish snus versus traditional smoking, it has yet to be cleared from the possible negative effects it may have on health. It may be safer than smoking, but there may b smokeless tobacco effects other than those traditionally associated with tobacco use. Recent studies that have focused o smokeless tobacco versus smoking effects have revealed that the number of cancer deaths amongst smokeless tobacco users are not higher compared to non – tobacco users. As well as that, Swedish snus users do not have problems with their hemoglobin concentrations, WBC (white blood cell) count, cholesterol or triglyceride levels or blood pressure.
People who have tried snus say it is better and healthier than smoking. There are even many people who have said that Swedish snus has helped them quit smoking. As the side effects of snus use have yet to be found and health officials say it has reduced the percentage of lung cancer, smokeless tobacco appears to be a healthy alternative to smoking.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Swedish Snus and the Health