Snuff—Its Use and Abuse

Abstract

Snuff has been used in this country for about three hundred and fifty years, achieving its greatest popularity during the eighteenth century. Although methods of preparation remain closely kept secrets a brief account is given of the techniques employed in the Far East and by the Bantu. The powder may be “ snuffed ” or “ dipped ” and the various effects produced by these forms of tobacco addiction are discussed together with a possible explanation for the association between snuffing and carcinoma of the maxillary antrum in the Bantu. Clinical investigation of twenty-two snuff addicts in Great Britain reveals constant changes in the nasal airways, but commercial snuff is apparently free from carcinogenic activity: Without the assistance and encouragement of both patients and friends (all admitted snuffers) this paper would never have been thought of, let alone written. I should also like to express my appreciation to Dr. J. V. Dadswell, of the Department of Pathology, Institute of Laryngology and Otology, for his expert advice and measurements of particle size. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.