Twenty years ago, still unknown, snus conquers ground with young Swiss. Although less harmful than cigarettes, Swedish suckling tobacco is highly addictive. While it will be authorized for sale in 2022, prevention circles are questioning
SNUS, A CONTROVERSY AND CONCERNS BEFORE THE SALES AUTHORIZATION!
«At first you look for that nice feeling that turns your head. Then you get used to it and it disappears. But in the meantime, you have become addicted to tobacco.At 27, Kevin is a heavy user of snus, this moist tobacco packaged in mini pads resembling tea bags. Slipped between the gum and the lip (upper or lower), the porous bag remains in place for a few minutes or more. The nicotine is then absorbed by the gum and reaches the bloodstream.
Kevin is not an isolated case. In recent years, snus has had more and more followers in Switzerland, mainly among young men, especially during military service. According to the Swiss Addiction report on smoking, 4,2% of men aged 15-25 used it in 2016. In 2016, 0,6% of the Swiss population used it, compared to 0,2% in 2011.
A priori less harmful than the cigarette, the snus leaves traces. The most common side effects are oral lesions that can be severe, present Isabelle Jacot Sadowski, doctor at the University Medical Polyclinic of Lausanne.
«Regular consumption can lead to mucosal lesions and retractions of the gums and thus damage the supporting tissues of the tooth.She also mentions an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. "An association also exists between the consumption of snus and the occurrence of stroke and infarction.For the doctor, one of the major problems remains the strong dependence that the product creates.
In order to alert young people, Addiction Switzerland has written a prospectus for them in 2014. "In the national Cool & Clean program, dedicated to the world of sport, 
snus is one of the topics treateds, "notes Corinne Kibora, spokesperson for Addiction Switzerland. The organization has also just published an inventory of all tobacco products. "Since the market is changing very quickly, it is difficult to navigate, especially in terms of health riskCorinne Kibora says.
Isabelle Jacot Sadowski adds:The attractiveness of young people should not be minimized, especially in some sports circles. Snus does not have a negative impact on the respiratory system, it can be taken very discreetly in closed public places and is more attractive than chewing or chewing tobacco.»
Banned from sale since 1995 in Switzerland (and since 1992 within the European Union), snus benefited from a descriptive vagueness which allowed kiosks to sell it under the label of chewable product. Although the article of law was corrected in 2016, several kiosks continue to offer it.
By 2022, it will be even legal. After the refusal of a first draft law by the parliament, the Federal Council presented a new draft in which the snus would be legalized and advertising on tobacco in newspapers and cinemas would remain authorized.
The Federal Commission for the Prevention of Smoking had however recommended not to legalize this tobacco to suck. The Swiss School of Public Health has just analyzed the draft law and delivers a sharp criticism:It is only intended to protect the tobacco industry and the economic sectors that depend on it without consideration for the public interest and fundamental rights.»
Source : Letemps.ch/
