04:56 PM CDT on Friday, June 23, 2006

By ERIN OCHOA / KVUE News

With the recent smoking ban, a lot of smokers are looking for an alternative to lighting up. One of the top two tobacco manufacturers is now testing a new smoke-free, spit-free tobacco product right here in Austin.

It's called Snus. The company claims it's more convenient, without the smoking and the spitting. Doctors say, while it could be less harmful, it doesn't come without risk.

Smoker Chris Mayfield says when he needs his nicotine fix, he's cast outside in the alley.

"We'll smoke out back to keep the office nice and clean," he said.

With Austin's recent smoking ban, smoking has become a bit of an inconvenience. It's convenience that's driving the test run of the new product, Camel Snus. It hit the shelves at several Austin stores just two weeks ago. Snus comes in a small tin and holds 12 pouches of tobacco. It costs about the same as a pack of cigarettes.

"As a smoker, I wouldn't even try it....it smells okay, but I wouldn't try it because it requires that I stick it in my mouth for a long period of time and reading it on the back, it says something about a slight tingle. I'd be concerned about that," said Keith LaSalle, smoker.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor Kevin Kriesel says, like smoking, Snus likely carries significant health risks such as developing oral cancer. But he says it is safer than lighting up.

"Smoking puts at risk the lungs, the upper digestive tract, including the oral cavity, and the throat. This newer product, as compared to smoking, is probably a little bit safer based upon the delivery technique," said Dr. Kriesel.

The company behind the product, RJ Reynolds Tobacco, says there are inherent risks with the use of tobacco products and makes no health claims about the product.

A spokesperson says it's still too early in the test run to determine whether the product will hit the market.