The proportion of snuff users is increasing in Sweden, particularly among young women. In a fresh report from the National Board of Health and Welfare, department head Thomas Lindén states that new research has revealed that snuff is more hazardous than previously thought.
"When it comes to snuff, new research shows that it is more harmful to use snuff than previously shown, and that the risks are largely due to nicotine, not least the risks of heart- and cardiovascular-related mortality and for the fetus during pregnancy," he says.
The National Board of Health and Welfare is now updating its recommendations for healthcare regarding unhealthy habits, and this also includes nicotine snuff, also known as white snuff. Adults who use snuff daily should be offered counseling conversations from healthcare to be able to quit, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare.
"At the same time, resources are limited. Therefore, we are helping healthcare to prioritize, and the most important thing is to offer support to those with the greatest need. It is also important that healthcare works with groups in society where a change in lifestyle has a particularly significant impact on health," says Lindén.
