Sweden is on its way to becoming Europe's first smoke-free country, and one of the reasons for this is snus, a type of moist snuff that is placed under the upper lip. Snus has become very popular in Sweden, with one in seven people using it. The government says that snus has helped reduce the number of smokers from 15% in 2005 to 5.2% last year, which is the lowest in Europe.
Snus has been banned in the European Union since 1992, but Sweden negotiated an exemption when it joined the EU. It is made at the Swedish Match factory in Gothenburg, where tobacco is packed into pouches like tea bags. There are two types of snus: traditional brown snus, which contains tobacco, and white snus, which is made of synthetic nicotine and often flavored.
Although traditional snus is mostly sold in Sweden, Norway, and the US, white snus has become very popular with young people in Sweden. Its use has increased among young women in particular. Despite cigarettes being much cheaper in Sweden compared to other countries, the number of smokers in Sweden has dropped significantly. Only 5% of Swedes smoke regularly, which is much lower than the EU's goal for a smoke-free country.
The Swedish government has supported the snus industry by raising taxes on cigarettes and lowering taxes on traditional snus. Many Swedes believe that switching to snus has helped them quit smoking. However, there are concerns about the health effects of snus. Some experts worry that it may cause long-term cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of throat and pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, Sweden is making great progress in reducing smoking rates, thanks in part to the popularity of snus. While snus has helped many people quit smoking, more research is needed to fully understand its potential risks. The goal is to create a healthier and smoke-free country where people can live better lives.
Why has Sweden become popular for using snus?
What two types of snus are available in Sweden?
What has happened to the number of smokers in Sweden?
How has the Swedish government supported the snus industry?
What are some concerns about the health effects of snus?
Section 2
Hi, my name is Aoife, and I'm from a small town in Ireland called Donegal. I am 8 years old, and I want to tell you about my average day in my smoke-free country!
Every morning, I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. I have a healthy breakfast with my family before walking to school. On the way, I notice how clean and fresh the air is. That's because smoking is not allowed in public places in Ireland, just like in Sweden.
At school, we have a special class about the journey to becoming smoke-free. We learn about the dangers of smoking and how it can harm our bodies. Our teachers tell us inspiring stories about people who have quit smoking and how it has improved their lives.
During lunch break, I play with my friends in the playground. We have so much fun without having to worry about secondhand smoke. Our school is a smoke-free zone, just like the whole country.
After school, I go to my dance class. I love dancing, and it's great to know that the air in the dance studio is always fresh and clean. I feel lucky to live in a country where everyone cares about their health and the health of others.
In the evening, I have dinner with my family. We talk about our day and how lucky we are to live in a smoke-free country. We enjoy spending time together without any harmful smoke around us.
Why is smoking not allowed in public places in Ireland?
What do I learn in my special class at school?
Why is it important to have fresh and clean air in the dance studio?
How does living in a smoke-free country make me feel?
Why is it good to spend time with my family without harmful smoke?
Section 3
Good evening, everyone! This is a special report from the Kids News Channel. Today, we bring you an exciting story about Sweden's journey to becoming smoke-free!
Sweden, a beautiful country in northern Europe, has been working hard to make sure its people are healthy and smoke-free. Smoking is not good for our bodies, and the Swedish government wants to protect its citizens from the harmful effects of smoking.
In the past, many people in Sweden used to smoke, but things have changed a lot. The government has introduced strict laws and regulations to discourage smoking. They have made it illegal to smoke in public places, like parks and restaurants. They have also raised the prices of cigarettes, making it less affordable for people to buy them.
To help people quit smoking, the Swedish government has set up special programs and helplines. They provide support and advice to those who want to quit. They have also started campaigns to educate people about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of a smoke-free life.
Thanks to these efforts, smoking rates in Sweden have dropped dramatically. More and more people are choosing to live smoke-free lives, which is great news for their health!
Unscramble the anagrams to find words related to the news report:
1. SMOEK
2. GORVENMENT
3. GNIWOK
4. TUPORCS
5. FRIDNELY
Section 4
In the journey to becoming smoke-free, Sweden has made remarkable strides in reducing smoking rates. One true event associated with this journey took place in Ireland, which also has a strong commitment to tobacco control. In 2004, Ireland became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.
This landmark legislation, known as the Irish Smoking Ban, had a significant impact on smoking behavior in the country. It not only protected non-smokers from second-hand smoke but also motivated many smokers to quit or reduce their smoking habits.
What country became the first to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in all workplaces?
When did Ireland implement the Irish Smoking Ban?
What impact did the ban have on smoking behavior?
Who did the Irish Smoking Ban aim to protect?
What were some of the effects of the ban on smokers?
