An illegally sold product throughout the European Union, the famous ‘snus’ has been consumed by several Premier League players
A Premier League, the richest football league in the world, has been faced with a serious public health problem: the ‘snus’ epidemic. Several players in the championship are caught using the product, even when they are on the bench in matches, despite all the harm to their health, and there are loopholes in the legislation facilitating permission for its use. Researchers recognize that the problem is growing even more.
Snus is a smokeless, nicotine-containing product made from tobacco. The tobacco-free version, called ‘nicotine pouch’, is also often incorrectly referred to as snus by some users. The person places the object between the upper lip of the mouth and the gum line. It is not the same thing as chewing tobacco, as the ‘package’ is moist, has a loose or pre-packaged powder, usually comes in sachets, and can have different flavors.
The Newcastle lads on the snus live on BT Sport 😂 pic.twitter.com/nzmT5uEN72
—Sam (@SB1993_) April 30, 2022
“It is a product that contains nicotine, one of the most potent drugs, which reaches the central nervous system more quickly. Nicotine is addictive. It can also cause cardiovascular diseases, problems with pregnancy and childbirth. Snus has a series of toxic components, carcinogenic substances.”he said Aline de Mesquita Carvalhotechnologist at Division of Tobacco Control and Other Risk Factors (CONPREV) of National Cancer Institute (INCA), in an interview with “GE”.
The sale of snus with tobacco is illegal in European Union (except in Sweden) and the United Kingdom. However, consumption is not prohibited. Finding English websites offering different models and quantities of the product is not difficult, starting from 20 units in bags for five pounds (around R$32 reais). The amount of nicotine present in a sachet is comparable to a cigarette (15mg), according to a study published in the journal “Biology of Sport”. But, it carries a higher concentration of nicotine in the blood plasma.
Bertrand Traoré is a calé son snus in sous-marin 😭 pic.twitter.com/WkS5at0Uua
— Alm🗣 (@Ali1cinq) February 18, 2023
There are reports in the category’s union that players are receiving treatment for being addicted to the product. Gum pockets can affect oral health, with gum recession and cavities. Furthermore, it has a strong association with cancer and cardiovascular problems. Even so, athletes use it as an alternative to dealing with stress and pressure from public opinion. Others believe that it improves performance and increases the level of concentration. In addition to the cultural aspect, where smoking was a strong habit in English changing rooms.
The use of snus is not prohibited by World Anti-Doping Agency. WADA revealed to “GE” that nicotine has been part of the Monitoring Program since 2012, to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport. A substance only enters the list when it meets at least two of the following criteria: It has the potential to or improve sports performance; Represents a potential or concrete threat to the health of athletes; It violates the spirit of Sport.
Neil Lennon casually putting a snus in🤨 pic.twitter.com/PQ3goRyG0J
— DanLowther (@DanLowther10) May 4, 2019
Source: sportbuzz
I am William Jackson and I have a passion for sports journalism. With over 3 years of experience in the industry, I have worked in a variety of roles to improve the quality and accuracy of sports news coverage. As an author at Athletistic, I specialize in covering football news and providing comprehensive analysis for fans around the world.
