Read articles from Sweden

March 21, 2025 by taxfoundation.org

The update to the EU's Tobacco Excise Tax Directive seeks harm reduction through taxing safer products less, potentially reducing smoking rates and illicit markets. Sweden's success in embracing alternative tobacco products and reducing smoking rates is a model for other EU countries to follow. ATPs like vaping and snus offer less harmful nicotine consumption options, driving public health benefits globally. However, stringent restrictions in some EU countries hinder harm reduction. An updated Directive should support less harmful products through reduced taxes, promoting public health. International businesses could shift focus to safer products, influencing global health trends positively. The EU must lead by example in harm reduction for tobacco policy worldwide.

March 18, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

In 2006, Action on Smoking and Health Director Deborah Arnott highlighted the safety of smokeless tobacco, challenging the EU ban on snus. Despite proven health benefits, the ban originated from unfounded fears in the UK, with Sweden being the exception. Sweden's use of snus led to significant reductions in smoking-related illnesses, contrasting with the EU average. Efforts to lift the ban have been hindered by political and regulatory obstacles, despite overwhelming public support. The EU's refusal to acknowledge the success of snus in harm reduction reflects a pattern of misinformation and misconduct. The evidence supports lifting the ban, underscoring the potential for saved lives across Europe.

February 05, 2025 by filtermag.org

Sweden has reduced smoking rates successfully through innovation, legislation, and consumer empowerment, achieving a smoking rate of 4.5%. The use of snus, a smokeless alternative, and modern nicotine pouches has played a key role. Lessons from Sweden's approach emphasize harm reduction and empowering individuals with better choices. While Sweden has Europe's lowest lung cancer rate, replicating their model globally could save millions of lives. Challenges exist due to bans on snus and nicotine pouches in EU countries, hindering harm reduction efforts. Ensuring access to information about harm and allowing informed choices could lead to further reductions in smoking rates. Sweden's progress continues with tax policies favoring safer nicotine products and aims to phase out cigarettes entirely.

January 24, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A recent study published in BMJ Open shows a significant drop in smoking rates in Sweden since the 1980s, matched by a rise in snus usage. By 2022, only 4.5% of Swedes were smokers, with more women switching to snus than men. Sweden's pioneering approach to alternatives like vaping and snus has been credited for its success in reducing smoking. The study, based on surveys of over 13,000 people, highlights the impact of snus on smoking rates. Younger women showed the most significant shift from cigarettes to snus. Sweden reached its smoke-free goal well ahead of the EU target, with much lower tobacco-related health issues compared to the rest of Europe.

December 17, 2024 by daily-pouch.com

The TES article on snus explores the growing trend and controversies surrounding nicotine products, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding. While caution about youth usage is warranted, balanced education and regulation are crucial for harm reduction. Media portrayal plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, highlighting the importance of accurate information dissemination. Overall, a comprehensive approach to addressing concerns and acknowledging the potential benefits of nicotine pouches is essential for promoting public health. Striking a balance between vigilance and informed decisions can guide the integration of harm reduction tools in the future.

November 28, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Sweden has become the first smoke-free country, with only 4.5% of adults smoking. Embracing harm reduction methods, such as snus and e-cigarettes, has led to significant health improvements. The country's approach, focusing on alternatives over prohibition, has resulted in lower tobacco-related diseases and reduced cancer rates. Smoke Free Sweden urges other nations to follow their evidence-based policies for a smoke-free future. Sweden’s success highlights the efficacy of harm reduction strategies and the importance of accessible safer nicotine products in reducing smoking rates and improving public health globally.

November 14, 2024 by mipod.com

Today, Sweden has achieved an incredible milestone, becoming the first nation to officially declare itself “smoke-free.” With just 4.5% of Swedish-born adults still smoking, the country has smashed the globally recognized 5% benchmark, reaching this landmark 16 years ahead of the European Union’s target. Sweden’s achievement shines a light on a pioneering public health approach that has enabled it to leave behind the EU average smoking rate of 24%, which is five times higher than Sweden’s.

November 13, 2024 by thecable.ng

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, over 1.1 billion people still smoke, and the numbers remain stubbornly high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the healthcare burden caused by smoking-related diseases continues to strain resources, yet millions of smokers find it difficult or impossible to quit.

November 13, 2024 by worldvapersalliance.com

Sweden is set to become the first country in the world to achieve ‘smoke-free’ status when its tobacco smoking prevalence rate falls below 5% in the next few months. The Swedish Model has made tobacco harm reduction products as accessible, acceptable, and affordable as possible to adult smokers, effectively wiping out smoking in a country where 50 years ago, 49% of men were smoking regularly.

November 07, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Sweden is close to becoming the first 'smoke-free' country, with a smoking rate of 5.6%. Utilizing snus and vaping, the nation reduced smoking by 55% in a decade, far ahead of the EU average. Despite success, most EU countries overlook the benefits of harm-reducing alternatives. Sweden's proactive measures and reduced tax on snus have led to significantly lower tobacco-related deaths, outperforming the EU. In contrast, countries like Australia and Brazil facing strict vaping bans struggle with a surge in illegal trade. EU countries lacking accessible alternatives have seen minimal decline in smoking rates, underlining Sweden's progressive approach to public health.