Snuff

Snuff is a smokeless tobacco made from ground or pulverized tobacco leaves. It is inhaled or "snuffed" into the nasal cavity, delivering a swift hit of nicotine and a lasting flavored scent (especially if flavoring has been blended with the tobacco). Traditionally, it is sniffed or inhaled lightly after a pinch of snuff is either placed onto the back surface of the hand, held pinched between thumb and index finger, or applied with a brush, or directly from a snuff bottle.

History

Snuff use in Europe became widespread by the 17th century. The taking of snuff helped to distinguish the elite members of society. It was also thought to ward off illness and was also consumed in places where smoking was not allowed. By the 19th century, snuff had become the tobacco product of choice among the elite.

Production

Snuff is usually scented or flavored, with many blends of snuff requiring months to years of special storage to reach the required maturity. Typical traditional flavors are varieties of carefully blended tobacco leaf flavors including fruits, spices, herbs or floral scents.

Health effects

The health effects of snuff are less harmful than those of smoking. Some harmful effects of snuff include addiction to nicotine, oral and nasal cancer, and other mouth and respiratory diseases.

See also

• Tobacco
• Nicotine
• Cancer
• Respiratory diseases

References

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