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Snus fact sheets

What are fact sheets?

Key messages

  • European Smokeless Tobacco Council (ESTOC) has developed a series of "fact sheets" that describe what is known about the relationship between use of their products (specifically, Swedish snus) and a variety of outcomes.
  • The fact sheets address health effects as well as social issues
  • Each fact sheet attempts to summarize the available scientific information on a particular topic in lay language that can be easily understood.
  • The fact sheets were prepared by scientific consultants who are familiar with the scientific literature on each topic. These scientists have attempted to convey the important issues surrounding each topic that must be considered when attempting to draw conclusions. The fact sheets have also been verified by the medical experts at ESTOC.
  • These fact sheets can be used to communicate key messages to the public and the media. They must be considered a "work in progress" and must be updated as new information becomes available.
  • Consumers must make their own choices about whether or not to use a particular product.

Why are "fact sheets" necessary?

The public is understandably concerned about health risks encountered in everyday life. However, it is difficult for a layperson to make sense of the constant flow of sometimes contradictory information on a particular topic. Personnel at ESTOC (including those who are not scientists) will be called on to communicate, in easy-to-understand language, what is known about the relationship between snus and a variety of outcomes. The fact sheets provide them with a tool to do this.

How were the topics selected?

The fact sheets reflect areas of interest to the public, to scientists, and to policymakers. Many of them address specific health concerns: for example, what is known about the relationship between using snus and developing oral or pancreatic cancer? Other fact sheets address social issues, such as the public health implications of recommending that smokers can reduce harm to themselves by switching to snus use.

Who prepared the fact sheets?

The fact sheets were prepared by THE WEINBERG GROUP INC., a scientific consulting firm that employs scientists who are familiar with the English-language literature on Swedish snus and its effects. These scientists have critically reviewed the available information on each topic. They attempt to present overall summaries, but also point out important issues that must be considered in drawing conclusions. They acknowledge the uncertainties that exist and note that, in some situations, different scientists might reach different conclusions. The fact sheets also provide some basic information on the scientific methods relevant to each topic. The fact sheets have been verified by the medical experts at ESTOC.

Are these fact sheets just a way to market your products?

These fact sheets represent the best attempt to summarize what is known (whether positive or negative) about every topic. ESTOC believes that both the industry and the public are best served by a complete and accurate understanding of the available information surrounding each topic. In the end, consumers have the responsibility to make their own choices about whether or not to use a particular product.

Why do the fact sheets have to be updated?

Because science is constantly evolving. As new studies are published, the findings must be synthesized into the existing body of literature. The prevailing opinion can change over time, if enough new information is developed. Consequently, each fact sheet bears a date that indicates how current it is. ESTOC has a process in place for updating the fact sheets periodically.

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