Tobacco has been consumed in various forms for centuries. In the 15th century, when the tobacco plant first arrived in Europe, it was mainly used for medicinal purposes. Over time, tobacco products evolved, and the plant's medicinal properties became less emphasized. Today, tobacco is most commonly found in cigarettes, but there are other products that contain tobacco as well.
In this article, we want to introduce you to alternatives to cigarettes and explain how you can enjoy tobacco smoke-free. The products listed here are not only less harmful to health but also to the environment.
Why Are More People Looking for Cigarette Alternatives?
It is widely known that smoking is detrimental to the body and health. Cigarette smoke contains not only nicotine but also around 4,800 other chemical substances, over 70 of which are carcinogenic. Toxic substances include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, tar, benzene, and lead. Besides the increased risk of cancer, smokers are also more likely to develop diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis, or gum inflammation.
Beyond the health consequences, the environment also suffers, as various toxic gases are released into the air with each cigarette. It is estimated that between 1.9 and 5.3 milligrams of nicotine are released into the air per cigarette. Additionally, discarded cigarette butts often end up as litter, ranking among the most common waste items. The benefits of quitting smoking or seeking alternatives clearly outweigh the downsides.
What Are Some Alternatives to Cigarettes?
Quitting smoking often proves more challenging than anticipated, and sudden cessation is rarely successful. Some people don't want to quit consuming tobacco altogether and thus seek less harmful alternatives. In addition to cigarettes, products like nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn products are becoming increasingly popular.
E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes come in two main types: cap systems and tank systems. Cap systems use a cartridge filled with liquid that is attached to a vaporizer and activated when the user inhales. The liquid evaporates and is inhaled similarly to smoking.
Tank systems are refillable and can be filled with different liquids. The heating process starts with the press of a button, causing the liquid to evaporate. E-cigarettes are often used as an alternative to smoking.
Heat-not-burn Tobacco Products
Heat-not-burn products, as the name suggests, involve heating tobacco sticks rather than burning them, reducing the production of harmful substances. Heating the sticks creates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhaled.
While traditional cigarettes reach temperatures of 800 degrees Celsius during combustion, heat-not-burn products reach only around 350 degrees. The vapor is said to be less harmful than cigarette smoke and has a milder odor.
Snuff
Snuff is considered the oldest form of tobacco consumption. During production, tobacco leaves are finely ground and flavored. To use, the tobacco is placed on the back of the hand or fingers and inhaled.
Snuff is considered less harmful than smoking since no combustion products are produced. However, long-term use can damage the nasal mucosa, and the tobacco may contain carcinogenic substances.
Chewing Bags / Chewing Tobacco / Snus
Chewing bags or snus have become more popular than cigarettes in Sweden and offer a smokeless alternative to smoking. Chewing bags are a blend of tobacco, water, salt, and flavorings. They are packed in small pouches placed under the upper lip for consumption. Alternatives without tobacco include All White Nicotine Pouches such as those from Edel, Après, or Velo. Instead of tobacco, natural plant fiber is used, but it is still considered snus.
Chewing bags or snus come in various strengths with different nicotine levels. Particularly strong chewing bags include Siberia Rot -80 Degrees WDP, with 43 mg/g of nicotine. Odens Cold Extreme WDP is considered a medium-strength variety with 22 mg/g of nicotine.
