In the opening stages of a live match on television, the camera is focusing on Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as he prepares his side to take on Arsenal. In the background, one of his players, Bertrand Traore, has appeared to raise his top lip before putting something alongside his gum. It is snus, the smokeless tobacco product that is popular among footballers in Sweden and Norway.
Although snus is a tobacco product, the risk for cancer and respiratory diseases is lower than that of smoking cigarettes. It is also a lot less addictive than smoking. It is, however, linked with a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may cause harm to an unborn baby. It is also known to cause oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers.
It is estimated that around half of male smokers in Sweden hey snus have switched to snus, and the overall level of daily smoking has declined substantially since the introduction of this product. In 2016, a UK Royal College of Physicians study indicated that snus use is likely to have contributed to this decline in smoking rates.
This is because snus can deliver higher doses of nicotine than smoking. It also delivers some of the chemicals that are present in cigarettes but at much lower levels. The levels of other unwanted chemicals such as lead and aflatoxins in snus have also significantly decreased, thanks to changes made in production and manufacturing techniques.
Nevertheless, it is possible to become dependent on snus. Using it long term can cause gum problems, dry mouth and dental issues. It can also slow down recovery times for muscle injuries, reduce sleep quality, and increase the risk of heart issues, diabetes and mental health disorders. Moreover, it can lead to poor posture and a loss of teeth.
For these reasons, the snus industry has been working hard for years to show that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking and that it is not a gateway drug. It is therefore not surprising that it is seen as a tool for helping people quit smoking and that many smokers who try snus stop altogether.
In general, snus can be found in the supermarkets in a range of flavours. It costs about PS5 a pack for a 40-g pouch and is also available online. The snus is available in different strengths, and you can even order special extra strong flavours that contain up to 18mg of nicotine. However, it is important to note that snus does not come without risks and it is still considered as tobacco and it should be used responsibly. The World Health Organization recommends that snus be sold with high-visibility health warnings and that it should not be advertised to underage persons. It is, therefore, advisable to consult with a doctor before beginning snus use. It is also advisable to avoid using snus during pregnancy and breastfeeding.