Tobacco control: Safer without snus

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Sir, I was alarmed to see that a recent report on e-cigarettes, by the Science and Technology Committee (17 August 2018), suggested a review on the 'discontinuation' of the ban on snus after Brexit.

Snus is a smokeless snuff tobacco, typically placed under the lip. It is carcinogenic and was banned throughout the EU in 1992. Sweden, however, did not implement this ban, and continues to allow its use, on the grounds that it may be a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.¹

While snus may be safer than tobacco smoking, it does carry significant risks, most importantly, it can lead to oral cancer.²

It seems counterintuitive for the government to suggest reintroducing a known carcinogen when safe smoking cessation alternatives are already available.³

As a profession, it is important that we remain cognisant of current political trends, and attempt to exert a positive influence on the direction of public health policy. Through promoting safe smoking cessation methods, and warning against carcinogenic substances like snus, the wellbeing of people who smoke can be protected.