When entering or exiting airports in Sweden, travelers often see a prominent display near aisles: snus, a product unfamiliar to many Europeans, yet one that has helped shape Sweden’s public health landscape. The country has positioned itself as a leader in tobacco harm reduction, pursuing a path that the World Health Organization has discussed in relation to smoke-free goals for regions worldwide. Sweden is sometimes cited as a benchmark because a small share of the population still uses conventional cigarettes.
The European Union has encouraged member states to advance toward smoke-free status by 2040. Sweden, however, has made progress that could meet that target years earlier, given the very low rate of traditional cigarette use among its residents. Recent estimates show that only a small percentage of Swedes smoke combustible cigarettes.
The notable decline in smoking in Sweden is closely linked to shifts in consumer preferences and strong tobacco control measures. Snus—an oral tobacco product common in Scandinavian markets—has attracted a significant following. It is often presented as an alternative to smoking, and it has been part of health officials’ discussions about reducing smoking-related harms, according to interviews with industry representatives and health advocates alike.
Snus is a smokeless product that typically contains tobacco and nicotine. It is used by placing small pouches under the lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the tissue into the bloodstream. Because it does not involve burning tobacco, it avoids the smoke and many of the risks associated with combustion. The health profile of snus is debated, but supporters argue it presents fewer hazards than smoking traditional cigarettes.
There is evidence cited by researchers and health experts that the Swedish approach has had notable effects on population health. Some studies describe lower cancer incidence and reduced mortality compared with many other European countries, though opinions vary and the long-term risks are still studied. Researchers emphasize that no tobacco product is harmless, and they urge caution in interpreting comparative data.
health damage
Sweden’s framework emphasizes strict regulation of traditional tobacco while allowing alternatives such as smokeless tobacco products. These products are taxed differently and marketed with the aim of reducing overall harm. Yet they are not without potential negative health impacts. Some studies link regular snus use to oral health issues, higher risks for type 2 diabetes, and the possibility of addiction. One health professional cautions that all tobacco products carry risks, but that the relative harm of cigarettes remains greater than many alternatives.
In various settings, the sale of snus is restricted outside Sweden, while other smokeless or heated tobacco products and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are subject to different regulatory approaches. In Sweden, surveys indicate a substantial portion of the population has tried e-cigarettes, and the adoption of snus has coincided with changes in smoking rates. Historical figures show a decline in smoking prevalence over the past decade, with the EU average standing higher in many years.
situation in Spain
Spain, along with several other countries such as Portugal and the United Kingdom, has explored alternatives to traditional tobacco as a means to reduce smoking-related harm. This strategy faces critics within parts of the medical community, who caution that emerging nicotine products may carry their own risks and that long-term effects remain uncertain. There is concern about the potential for non-smokers, particularly youth, to become dependent on new nicotine products.
Spain’s health authorities introduced a broad framework in 2019 that treats all nicotine consumption under a single banner, with the aim of curbing tobacco use while recognizing the role of newer products. However, legislation aimed at tightening controls on nicotine delivery remains a topic of political debate, with promises of reforms that have yet to be enacted by successive governments.