“The Dangers of Snus: Why It is Poisonous, Addictive, and Harmful During Pregnancy”

The stuff looks like a small tea bag that you put under your upper lip. The active substance nicotine enters the blood through the blood vessels.

This hurts you

The effect of snus is similar to that of smoking a cigarette. It can feel even stronger than a cigarette, depending on the tolerance one has and the amount of nicotine in the snus. Some variants or brands contain more nicotine than others. The use of snus gives a slight tingling sensation and can make you more alert and energetic. For some, it also has a relaxing effect.

Poisonous

Snus (with tobacco) is prohibited in the Netherlands. The only European country where it is legal is Sweden. That’s where the drug comes from. You get nicotine through the use of snus and it is well known that nicotine is a toxic substance. It raises blood pressure, damages blood vessels and can cause cancer. In addition, there are 28 other carcinogenic substances in snus. It mainly causes mouth and nose cancer. It can also affect your gums.

Addictive

Nicotine acts on the reward system, which causes the addictive effect. It is a drug that takes effect very quickly. If one stops using, the nicotine level in the blood is already halved after an hour and a half. This makes you feel empty, restless. After a long time without nicotine you become nervous and irritable. A new bag of snus ensures that these annoying feelings disappear again. So a vicious circle.

Pregnancy

The use of snus during pregnancy and breastfeeding carries additional risks. Thanks to research, we know that this increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth and can cause other developmental problems in the newborn baby.

No alternative to smoking

Snus is regularly seen as a better alternative to smoking. But the idea that it is ‘safer’ than smoking is therefore not correct. However, a major health benefit can be expected if smokers switch en masse to snus due to the lack of combustion products that affect the lungs. Nevertheless, it is unwise to see the use of snus as a ‘safer’ way of intake, not least because of the fear that snus will eventually make it easier for young people to switch to smoking.

Bron: Jellinek