[Adverse effects of Swedish smokeless tobacco "snus"].

Selling smokeless tobacco (snus) in Finland is illegal, yet one-third of all males aged 16 to 18 years have tried it. A regular snus user can receive a daily dose of 60 to 150 milligrams of nicotine and become heavily addicted. The first--and easily detectable--lesions appear in the oral mucosa and gingiva. Long-time followup studies of snus use from a young age are, however, still lacking. Evidence exists of increased risk for fatal cardiovascular diseases and increased risk for injuries. Risk for oral cancer is debated, with more studies showing an increased risk than showing no risk; risk also exists for cancer of esophagus, stomach and pancreas. A new and alarming finding among female users is increased risk for preterm birth, preeclampsia and neonatal apnea.