The FDA’s 2019 statement was clear: switching from cigarettes to snus lowers your risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and stroke. But here’s what that really means—and what they left unsaid.
The Good News
If you’re a pack-a-day smoker, swapping to Swedish snus is like trading a motorcycle without a helmet for a bicycle with training wheels. Studies show:
- No lung damage: Zero tar, zero carbon monoxide—the two biggest killers in cigarettes
- Lower heart risks: Swedish data shows minimal cardiovascular issues compared to smoking
- No secondhand smoke: Your family won’t hate you for stinking up the house
The Fine Print
The FDA didn’t call snus "safe." Why?
- Nicotine still strains your heart: Raises blood pressure, though less than cigarettes
- Gum recession is real: Heavy users often develop irritated gums where the pouch sits
- Swedish ≠ American: Most research comes from Scandinavia, where snus quality is regulated. U.S. products? Not so much.
