Alternatives to the cigarette

Since 1. September 2007 smoking (cigarette, cigar or pipe) was banned in public places and passenger transport in Germany as a result of the laws on protection of non-smokers.

In most German states, smoking is now no longer even allowed freely in catering establishments.

Smokers either have to move to separate adjoining rooms or even have to go out into the fresh air, such as in Bavaria, where the strictest smoking ban to date was passed by referendum in 2010.

Especially in sub-zero temperatures in winter, this can cause a lot of frustration. The harmfulness of smoking is generally known, so many are now switching to healthier alternatives, most of which are permitted in the catering industry.

Here are two alternatives to cigarettes, and their advantages and disadvantages are explained to you.

Snus – The alternative from Sweden

Already in the 19. In the 19th century, Sweden developed its own form of tobacco consumption, when dry snuff was developed into a moist and often flavored chewing tobacco, snus.

Of course, the tobacco of that time had little to do with the alternative available today, but the method of consumption was and is the same.

Usually in small sachets, the paste-like powder is placed under the upper lip and remains there for up to an hour while nicotine is continuously released into the organism.

A total of 19 percent of Swedish men regularly consume snus, and since it has become increasingly popular, cigarette consumption in the Scandinavian country has also continued to decline.

As a result, Sweden now has the lowest smoking rate in the EU. The advantages of snus are that the pollutants produced by burning tobacco are eliminated and there is no passive consumption, which is why it can also be used without hesitation in catering establishments.

Studies have found that while consumption can help in smoking cessation, it also increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Within the EU (with the exception of Sweden) the alternative may not be sold freely, nevertheless it is allowed to import snus for private consumption.

The e-cigarette

The e-cigarette was invented in China in 2003 and is a cigarette-shaped device for inhaling vaporizing liquid called e liquid.

When „smoking“ a vapor is produced that is similar in consistency to tobacco smoke, but passive consumption is also eliminated because only very small amounts of nicotine are contained in the vapor.

Smoking e-cigarettes is allowed by law in German catering establishments, but care should still be taken to respect house rules. The liquids are available in filter form or as cartridges in different flavors, with or without nicotine.

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, there is also the fact that no carcinogenic pollutants such as tar, hydrocyanic acid or carbon monoxide are inhaled; at the same time, the devices are also said to help with smoking cessation.

This is justified by a subjectively perceived relief, since the imitated smoking experience preserves habits, which produces a positive psychological effect.

E-cigarette – Harmful or not?

The harmfulness of e-cigarettes is controversial. Inhaling propanediol, the main ingredient of the liquids, can cause irritation of the nasal mucous membranes.

In addition, attention should be paid to the quality of the device, as sucking too hard on low-quality e-cigarettes can cause the liquid to enter the oral cavity, possibly causing nicotine to be swallowed.

E-cigarettes are freely available in Germany, a good device is available from ca. 30 euros, 10 ml of liquid (comparable to a carton of cigarettes) cost about four euros, so converted an e-cigarette is also cheaper than the „original“.