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Quick links to detailed datasheets for Sweden at gsthr.org

Smoking in Sweden

The overall daily smoking prevalence in Sweden has declined since 2000. In 2022, Sweden had the lowest smoking prevalence of any country in Europe at 5.8%. Smoked tobacco, as a form of nicotine delivery, has been displaced in Sweden by a type of pasteurised oral tobacco called snus, which is less harmful than combustible tobacco. The prevalence of snus use overtook the prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst men in 1996. Sweden is also one of the few countries where the prevalence of daily smoking has been higher in women than in men. In 2022 the daily smoking for women was 6.3% but 5.3% for men. The most recent data from 2016 show there were 10,514 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 5,300 women and 5,200 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 11.15% (women: 11.1%; and men: 11.2%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Sweden and there are 92,200 vapers in the country as of 2021, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 1.1%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and they can only be sold to those aged 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products are legal but cannot be marketed. Snus is allowed and is regulated as a consumer product, and it can be imported for personal use and it can also be bought online. A health warning is required on packaging and it can only be bought by those aged 18 and over, but there are no restrictions on flavour range or nicotine content. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in Sweden is worth €85.3 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

Read articles from Sweden

August 29, 2024 by capitalfm.co.ke

Don’t Deny Smokers Their Best Opportunity to Prevent Disease

Reduced-risk tobacco-free products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, are proven to be the most successful tool for helping smokers make the critical switch from traditional cigarettes to less harmful alternatives. These innovative products offer a lifeline to millions, providing a way to satisfy nicotine cravings without exposing users to the carcinogens and harmful toxins found in combustible tobacco. Yet, some opponents seem intent on overlooking this lifesaving potential, fixating instead on a misguided opposition to anything related to nicotine consumption. It is crucial to (...)

August 20, 2024 by vapingpost.com

The Successful Strategy Making Sweden Smokefree Still Ignored by Some

A recent report presented to Sweden's Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, is recommending setting restrictions on nicotine pouches in a way which would make them inaccessible also to adult users, not just teens.

August 20, 2024 by tribuneonlineng.com

Smoking: Advocating the Swedish Experience

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating health impacts of smoking, countries like Nigeria must consider Sweden’s groundbreaking approach to tobacco harm reduction. Sweden’s model has revolutionised the fight against smoking, and there are invaluable lessons to be learned. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of various alternative products. Among respondents, 60 percent perceive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as the most effective alternative product, while (...)

August 16, 2024 by businessday.ng

A consumer-friendly harm reduction approach works better than one-size-fits-all policies

Sweden's successful harm reduction model, including the use of Snus and other nicotine alternatives, has significantly reduced smoking rates and associated health risks. Nigeria can learn from Sweden by increasing accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of harm reduction products to tackle its high smoking rates. With nearly 30,000 smoking-related deaths in 2022 and 4.5 million current smokers, Nigeria faces a pressing public health challenge. Emulating Sweden's approach could lead to improved outcomes and a smoke-free future. The Swedish model's success underscores the need for diverse cessation options, public awareness campaigns, and reduced taxes on safer nicotine products.

August 09, 2024 by consideratepouchers.org

Oppose the Nicotine Limits to Pouches in Sweden Now!

In March, Inga-Lill Askersjö submitted a report to Sweden's Minister of Social Affairs regarding harm reduction strategies for nicotine products. The report suggests limiting nicotine content in pouches, measuring nicotine per gram, and creating nicotine-free schools. However, these proposals could limit access for adults and reduce the effectiveness of nicotine pouches for smoking cessation. The report overlooks harm reduction benefits and could increase the appeal of nicotine among minors.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Dr. Carl Fagerstrom writes: “No smoking… less harmful”

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Dr. Carl Fagerstrom writes: “No smoking… less harmful”

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Dr. Carl Fagerstrom writes: “No smoking… less harmful”

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

July 16, 2024 by filtermag.org

In Sweden, Where Tobacco Deaths Fell Dramatically, Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy

Approximately 25% of Swedes use nicotine products like snus, resulting in 44% fewer tobacco-related deaths per capita compared to the rest of Europe. Nicotine, not the primary cause of cancer, is misunderstood by healthcare professionals and the public. Co-author Karl Fagerström emphasizes the harm reduction benefits of embracing snus and nicotine pouches. These smoke-free alternatives lower health risks, with Sweden on track to become the first "smoke-free" country. Tax changes in Sweden support the use of snus over cigarettes, highlighting the government's recognition of the products' role in reducing smoking-related harms. The global shift towards harm reduction could save lives by promoting safer nicotine consumption practices.

June 12, 2024 by filtermag.org

Storm in a Teacup Over Soccer Stars’ Snus Use

Professional soccer players in the UK are increasingly using snus or nicotine pouches, with a study commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association revealing 18% of men and 22% of women players use them. Media coverage often focuses on the negatives, but these products can aid harm reduction. Players use them for relaxation, stress management, and focus improvement. While some may experience nicotine dependence, the potential risks are low compared to other nicotine products. Noteworthy is the positive impact of snus in reducing smoking rates in countries like Sweden. Snus can provide a safer alternative, especially in sports, without significant health risks.

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