In an article posted online Thursday in the British journal The Lancet, a study reveals that people who smoke snus are 10 times less likely to get lung cancer than cigarette smoker. Researchers also believe that the new findings could also challenge bans on snus, particularly in the European Union.
Snus is banned in all EU nations, except for Sweden, where permission was granted because of the widespread use of the powder tobacco among Swedes. However, the new Swedish product is test-marketed in at least two U.S. cities, where smokeless tobacco is legal.
According to AP, the researchers in the journal said, "We should not delay in allowing snus to compete with cigarettes for market share. The banning or exaggerated opposition to snus in cigarette-rife environments is not sound public health policy."
In spite of the claims from Swedish manufacturers that the production process involves removing carcinogens during manufacturing, about 30 carcinogens have been found in the smokeless tobacco.
However, the studies also showed that snus may not be as harmful as previously thought, and far less harmful than cigarettes as it did not increase the risk of oral cancer.
Experts caution that snus-users might develop mouth lesions where the substance is placed since it generally is tucked inside the upper lip. It can also complicate pregnancies and may raise the risk for heart disease.
