Safe cigs
VELO is a brand of nicotine pouches from Scandinavia. They're designed to be placed in the mouth, for that rush that you so crave. And, like condoms, they come in a range of different flavours, which is nice, I guess.
I've only recently taken notice of them, because the current advertising campaign boasts 99% less toxicants than a cigarette
. That sounds great, doesn't it? What does it mean though? Is this the safe alternative to smoking cigarettes?
Obviously, smoking cigarettes causes cancer. And the cancer is related to carcinogens, which are formed as the tobacco leaf burns. So, no burning leaf means no carcinogens. And no carcinogens means no cancer. And no cancer means no worries. Right?
Ummm, no, not quite. But it might surprise you to know that the VELO marketing boyz 'n' gurlz have played a little fast-and-loose with the truth. The statement 99% less toxicants than a cigarette
might easily be construed as 99% less harmful, or even safe, to the less sophisticated members of society; those who smoke, for example. Or, in this case, non-English speakers—this photo was taken in a small shopping centre in rural Switzerland.
99% LESS TOXICANTS*? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? VELO nicotine pouches contain 99% less toxicants than conventional cigarette smoke*. This comparison is based on an assessment of smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette (approximately 9mg tar) and components released during use of a VELO pouch, in terms of the average of the 9 harmful components the World Health Organization recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke. Pair that 99% less toxicants* with a large range of flavor options and ease of use, and we’ve all got something to be happy about. … *This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. Comparison based on an assessment of cigarette smoke (ie.; a scientific standard reference cigarette of approximately 9mg tar) and components released during use of a Velo pouch, with reference to the World Health Organisation’s recommendation to reduce the quantities of 9 harmful components in cigarette smoke.
So, there you have it. VELO is not completely safe, because nicotine is addictive.
Except that's not the full story. The causes of smoking-related deaths are variable, and their incidences vary between reports. But many health authorities, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Quit Victoria, report high death rates from cardiovascular diseases. According to the CDC, they accounted for 35% of smoking-related deaths in the US, during the period 2005–2009.
One of the components of cigarette smoke implicated in cardiovascular disease? That's right, nicotine. (pipe)